Sam Thompson and Tom Hiddleston's unlikely bromance was on full display as the delighted pair reunited at the Soccer Aid For UNICEF gala on Thursday. The pair became pals after putting on an England shirt for the annual charity football match, and are once again set to feature in the star-studded game on May 31.
Sam had previously shared hopes of getting Tom to appear on his podcast Staying Relevant, which he hosts with pal Pete Wicks. And it seems the pair's friendship is still going strong, as they posed for beaming snaps together at the charity event in London's Nobu Hotel.
Sam was also joined by his girlfriend Talitha Balinska at the gala, with the influencer posing for snaps in an elegant black satin gown. The Made In Chelsea star also rushed to embrace singer Olly Murs at the event, after he completed his gruelling endurance challenge.
A Budding Friendship
During an episode of his podcast last year, Sam was stunned to discover that after sending an Instagram message to Tom, he'd responded sharing interest in coming on the show. He told Pete: 'I messaged Tom Hiddleston on that train, and I was like "hey man I'd love to have you on the pod, if you have some spare time." And then as the days went by, with no reply and he'd seen it, he'd read it, and hadn't replied, I went, you know when you start like really realising how inferior you are to someone's life.'
After reading out his message, Sam then found Tom's reply, which read: 'Hello mate, this is such a lovely, wonderful message, and I'm so sorry for the delay in my reply. I've obviously missed the window, but I'd love to come on the podcast at some point, if you'll still have me!' A delighted Sam asked Pete if he thought Tom would appear on the podcast, and the former TOWIE star responded with a firm 'no.'
Soccer Aid 2025
Sam missed out on playing in last year's Soccer Aid after suffering a calf injury during his own endurance UNICEF challenge, but is set to feature for the Three Lions in this year's game at the London Stadium. It will see the likes of Jill Scott, Gary Neville and Wayne Rooney compete against comedian Paddy McGuinness and Olympic gold-winning medalist Mo Farah in front of thousands of fans.
Adolescence actor Owen Cooper has also become the youngest ever star to be selected for Soccer Aid's 20th anniversary game. Owen, 16, will join 32 players including GK Barry and AngryGinge on the pitch on Sunday May 31. The stellar line-up was announced on Tuesday for the annual football match, held in aid of UNICEF.
Of taking part, the actor said: 'I'm incredibly proud to be playing at Soccer Aid for UNICEF in its twentieth anniversary year. I wasn't even born when the first Soccer Aid took place but I'm a big fan. Becoming the youngest player to take part is a real honour and I'm excited to step out at the London Stadium. This event raises vital funds to help children grow up safe, healthy and able to play – and I'm grateful to be part of such an important cause.'
Star-Studded Line-Up
This is the twentieth anniversary of the game, which has raised more than £121 million for UNICEF since the first match in 2006. Wayne Rooney, Damson Idris, Usain Bolt, Jordan North, Joe Marler, Olly Murs, Paddy McGuinness, Big Zuu, Richard Gadd, Maisie Adam and Gladiator's Nitro will also show off their skills on the pitch.
UNICEF UK Ambassador Robbie Williams will manage England and will be able to call on rugby player Joe Marler as his celebrity goalkeeper. The Traitors star will share the gloves with Paddy who will become the record appearance holder, when he takes to the pitch. The comedian has, so far, appeared nine times.
Hollywood actor and UNICEF UK Ambassador Tom Hiddleston is back – and vows to pass the ball to a professional, as soon as he is in possession. Wayne Rooney – one of England's greatest-ever players – will provide on-pitch leadership and skill. Meanwhile, star of the F1 film, Damson Idris is the third star actor to sign-up while GK Barry is taking tips from her footballer partner Ella Rutherford, who plays for Portsmouth FC.
There is an I'm a Celeb theme too, with Jordan North also playing for the first time. The Burnley fan will be hoping to form a powerhouse partnership with fellow northerner Angry Ginge – who was the 2025 Player of the Match. Usain Bolt will, for the first time, manage the Soccer Aid World XI FC. The sprint king is back at the scene of his 2012 London Olympics gold rush. The Jamaican already has incredible attacking talent to choose from in the form of 2025's match winner, Big Zuu.
He will be joined Scotland's Jen Beattie and two-time World Cup winning US international, Ali Krieger. Dutch goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar, Euro 2020 winner Leonardo Bonucci and debutant Jordi Alba will make up Usain's team.
Celebrity Appearances
As Tom and Sam were reunited, the actor lifted the podcast host into the air. Sam was also joined by his girlfriend Talitha Balinska at the gala, with the influencer posing for snaps in an elegant black satin gown. After reuniting with Tom, Sam posed for snaps with him and his girlfriend Talitha. Sam was hand-in-hand with his stunning girlfriend as they arrived for the charity event. The pair, who started dating in September, made their red carpet debut at an event for The Kings Trust earlier this month.
The Made In Chelsea star also rushed to embrace singer Olly Murs at the event, after he completed his gruelling endurance challenge. The duo were in high spirits as they chatted together outside the venue. Sam and Olly appeared thrilled to be reunited at the charity gala. The star is set to wear the England shirt once again at the charity match later this month.
Gemma Chan was also among the stars in attendance at the charity gala, with the actress posing in an elegant black satin lace dress. The actress was seen posing for snaps alongside England goalkeeper David Seaman. Alex Scott, who will host coverage of the match, cut a chic figure in an all-black jumpsuit. Tom cut a dapper figure in a sharp all-black tuxedo. Ant McPartlin and his wife Anne-Marie were also at the gala to support pal Jonathan Wilkes, who founded Soccer Aid with Robbie Williams back in 2006.
Alex Brooker, who is also set to appear in the England squad, also posed for snaps on the green carpet at the gala. Olympic legend Denise Lewis put on a dazzling display in a form-fitting red dress with a fringed trim, teamed with matching heels. The heptathlon champion cut a stylish figure in her red dress.
Quotes and Future
UNICEF UK Ambassador and Soccer Aid co-founder, Robbie Williams, said: 'I'm incredibly proud to be celebrating 20 years of Soccer Aid for UNICEF this year, it's one of the most important things to me. Last year's event raised more money than ever and £121 million raised since we started – genuinely life-changing. Let's hope we can break the record again this year. Can't wait to see you there.'
Wayne Rooney added: 'I can't wait for this year's Soccer Aid for UNICEF and to pull on the England shirt one more time for the twentieth anniversary. It's England against World XI at the London Stadium on 31st May and this year we want nothing less than an England win. Me, Coleen and the boys love the atmosphere and the brilliant family occasion that Soccer Aid for UNICEF always is. The kids enjoy seeing football legends alongside their favourite celebrities and influencers on the same pitch.'
Last year, Coleen travelled to Poland with UNICEF and saw first-hand how the money raised is supporting children with disabilities who fled the war in Ukraine, so they can continue their education and simply be kids once again. 'So please buy a ticket and support this amazing cause, which changes children's lives around the world.'
A special twentieth anniversary extended half-time show will also see Robbie take to the stage.
