Pete Wicks reveals why he “couldn’t stand” Sam Thompson on first impression – and why they’re now “family”

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How did Sam’s world from Made in Chelsea and Pete’s from The Only Way Is Essex cross paths?

Sam We met in a moment Pete doesn’t remember. He shaved me.

Pete His face.

Sam is quite certain that you also worked on my chest area. While Pete was gently touching me, it felt surreal, almost like a fulfilled fantasy – yet he can’t seem to remember the incident.

Pete, it transpired that I attended an event for a razor firm back in 2018, where I was compensated to be present. At that time, I had no idea who he was. However, our official encounter took place on the E4 reality show Celebs Go Dating at a later date.

Sam: That’s when we became the closest of friends and have been nearly inseparable since then, as if we were joined at the hip.

Pete OK, stop talking.

What were your first impressions?

Pete Sam is the pesky younger brother of Louise Thompson from Made in Chelsea. I found his constant attention exhausting – he was always invading my personal space, even touching me frequently, which felt overwhelming to me. After much frustration, I realized that getting rid of him wasn’t an option.

Sam I loved it. I clung to Pete at the mixer on Celebs Go Dating because I was nervous.

Pete I’d be trying to chat to women and Sam would appear, then they’d walk away.

Has that first impression changed?

Pete It has for me. Now I wouldn’t be without him. He’s family.

I’ve found Pete to be quite the reassuring companion for me, especially during moments when I feel anxious. He’s the one I turn to in such situations.

What do people get wrong about you both?

Pete People think Sam is ditzy, but he hides his intelligence really well.

Sam Please clip that for my dad.

Pete It’ll make him feel better about all the private education.

Sam initially thought Pete was a rough tough guy from Essex. However, he turns out to be quite the gentleman with a soft, kind heart.

Has doing more reality TV together helped you connect?

Pete No. We just realised we’d do anything for money. Sam loves reality TV, and I despise it.

Sam enjoys involving others against their will, only to witness their displeasure unfold with great amusement.

This version aims to maintain the same meaning while using more natural and easy-to-read language, focusing on actions rather than mental states (such as “drag” instead of “knowing”) and using simpler sentence structure (“unwilling” is replaced by “against their will,” which provides a similar meaning but may be easier for some readers to understand). Additionally, the word “implosion” was replaced with “displeasure unfold,” which conveys the same idea in simpler terms. Lastly, the phrase “incredibly fun” was rephrased as “with great amusement,” which is more descriptive and flows better with the rest of the sentence.

What’s the most impressive thing you’ve seen each other do?

Sam is observing Pete on Strictly Come Dancing. Many people had counted him out, but I noticed his dedication and commitment. It was amazing to see him advance through each round successfully.

You’re both well coiffed, but who will take longer to get ready for the NTAs?

Pete is preparing for his event, with discussions about his attire and grooming starting three weeks prior – including beard trimmings and more.

Sam There’s a lot of phone calls that go to Peter.

Pete I turn up looking like I woke up in a wheelie bin.

Sam He does love a brooch, though.

Pete I’ve had one specifically made for it. Adds a little bit of class.

Anything else you do together beforehand?

Sam A pre-game hug.

Pete I have a pre-game vodka while Sam hugs me.

While you’re interviewing a guest on the red carpet, do you ever try to trip each other up?

Pete Sam forgets about the guest and makes it about me.

Sam Pete loves structure, I love chaos. Watching him try to shoehorn it back is hilarious.

Pete Which is funny, since Sam gets booked more.

Who wins at rescuing an interview?

Sam And then Pete will be like, “Enough.” He’ll give me a squeeze.

And finally, what’s the silliest argument you’ve had?

Pete When Sam tried to decapitate me.

Sam White-water rafting.

Pete intentionally took extra steps to push me out of the boat, caused me to stand up even though he was aware of a wire stretched across the river, all in an attempt to gain attention on Instagram.

Sam It was so good though.

Pete I told him, “Never do that again.”

Sam And I never have.

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2025-09-02 03:26