Sam Thompson, the former Made In Chelsea star, has candidly shared his heartfelt longing to become a father, expressing fears that he might be "running out of time" to achieve his dream of parenthood. The 33-year-old television personality opened up about his aspirations during a recent appearance on Jamie Laing's Great Company podcast, revealing a poignant mix of hope and anxiety about his future family plans.
Podcast Confessions: A Deep Desire for Fatherhood
During the podcast episode released on Wednesday, Thompson was asked directly by host Jamie Laing – who recently welcomed his first child with wife Sophie Habboo – whether he wants to have children. Sam responded with emphatic enthusiasm, stating: "Absolutely 100 per cent!"
He elaborated with emotional transparency: "My time's running out. I want to be a dad so badly, so badly, I just don't know if it's going to happen. I sometimes feel sad that I'm never going to get to be a dad and I would love to be a dad at some point."
Age Concerns and Parental Aspirations
When Laing attempted to reassure him by mentioning actor Al Pacino having a child at 82, Thompson clarified his personal preferences: "I don't want to be 80, I want to be a youngish parent, I hope one day."
The television presenter further revealed his specific vision for fatherhood, including his desire for close friend Pete Wicks to become godfather to his future child. "I really wanna be a parent, more than anything," Thompson confessed. "I just want Pete to be a godfather to my kid. I would love that so much."
New Romance with Talitha Balinska
Thompson's personal life has undergone significant changes recently. He is currently in a relationship with 25-year-old influencer Talitha Balinska, following his split from long-term partner Zara McDermott at the very end of 2024.
The couple began dating in September and have since taken their relationship to new levels of intimacy. During a recent episode of his Staying Relevant podcast, Thompson shared the "awkward" story behind telling Balinska he loves her for the first time.
An Awkward Declaration of Love
Describing the moment they were sitting together on the sofa, Thompson explained his gradual approach: "I kept on saying, instead of I love you 'I like you.' and then 'I like you a lot,' and so it's going in steps. I would leave the house and be like 'I like you a lot!'"
After some nervous back-and-forth where he initially joked "it means I hate you," Thompson finally managed to express his true feelings: "I think I love you." Following further clarification, he stated clearly: "I love you," to which Balinska responded: "I love you too."
Reflecting on the moment, Thompson noted: "That's why I love her – we are both quite awkward people, and so it was quite a nice moment." He added that since making this declaration, he "can't stop" telling Balinska how he feels.
Overcoming a Difficult Year
The beginning of 2025 proved challenging for Thompson following his separation from McDermott. However, his fortunes have since improved dramatically with his new romance, a sold-out show at London's O2 Arena, and significant charity achievements helping him end the year on a positive note.
A source close to Thompson revealed to The Daily Mail: "Sam was certainly struggling at the beginning of 2025, and no one really knows the true extent of how his breakup from Zara affected him. Despite suffering knockbacks many people would not have recovered from, Sam has managed to come out the other side in a much better place."
Looking Toward the Future
Thompson and Balinska have already begun making plans together, including a ski trip for Valentine's Day next month. The couple spent their first Christmas together with Thompson's family, including his mother, sister Louise, her fiancé Ryan Libbey, and their son Leo.
Meanwhile, Thompson's ex-partner Zara McDermott has moved on and is now in a relationship with former One Direction singer Louis Tomlinson, 34.
As Thompson looks ahead to 2026, those close to him report he is "genuinely looking forward to the future" and "focused on building momentum" in both his personal and professional life. His heartfelt confession about fatherhood aspirations suggests family planning may become an increasing priority as he navigates this new chapter with Balinska.
