Sam Thompson, the beloved British television personality and I’m a Celebrity winner, has officially confirmed his new relationship with model and DJ Talitha Balinska. After a highly publicised split from Zara McDermott in December 2024, fans have been eager to learn about Sam Thompson girlfriend and the woman who has captured his heart. In December 2025, Sam announced on his podcast Staying Relevant that he has asked Talitha to be his official girlfriend, marking a new chapter in his romantic life.
This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about Sam Thompson girlfriend Talitha Balinska, including their relationship timeline, how they first crossed paths, their individual careers, and their journey to becoming one of the UK’s most talked-about celebrity couples in 2025.
Who Is Sam Thompson?
Sam Robert De Courcy Thompson was born on 2 August 1992 in London, England, making him 33 years old. He first rose to fame on the E4 reality series Made in Chelsea, where he appeared from 2013 to 2021, becoming one of the show’s most popular cast members. Sam’s charming personality and infectious humour quickly made him a fan favourite, appearing in over 160 episodes of the series.
Beyond Made in Chelsea, Sam has built an impressive television career. He finished third place on Celebrity Big Brother in 2017 and has appeared multiple times on Celebs Go Dating, making him the most frequent cast member on the show. In 2023, Sam achieved his biggest television triumph when he won the 23rd series of I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!, securing 56.6% of the public vote.
Sam Thompson girlfriend became a topic of significant media interest following his jungle victory, with fans curious about his romantic life. His radio career has also flourished since joining Hits Radio in 2022, where he currently presents the Saturday morning show and the UK Chart Show. Sam co-hosts the hugely successful podcast Staying Relevant with best friend Pete Wicks, which has sold out two tours and performed at The O2 Arena in September 2025.
In 2023, Sam was diagnosed with ADHD, tic disorder, and autism, which he has openly discussed to help raise awareness about neurodevelopmental conditions. He documented his diagnostic journey in the E4 documentary “Sam Thompson: Is This ADHD?” and continues to speak openly about his experiences.
Who Is Talitha Balinska? Complete Profile
Talitha Balinska is a London-based DJ, music producer, model, and digital content creator who has rapidly emerged as a rising force in the UK’s electronic music scene. Born on 14 November 2000 in England, Talitha is 25 years old. She has captured significant attention through her innovative TikTok content, where her distinctive blend of music, personality, and style has attracted over 500,000 followers.
As Sam Thompson girlfriend, Talitha brings her own impressive credentials to the relationship. She is signed with Premier Models agency and has collaborated with leading fashion and lifestyle brands. Her Instagram presence boasts approximately 168,000 followers, where she shares glimpses of her work and lifestyle.
Talitha studied at the University of Bristol and has established herself as a must-watch DJ, performing energetic live sets at venues across the globe. Specialising in house music, she infuses each performance with her unique sonic identity, moving effortlessly from the digital realm to professional music production.
Notably, Talitha comes from a prominent family. Her half-sister is Ella Balinska, the Hollywood actress best known for starring alongside Kristen Stewart in the 2019 Charlie’s Angels reboot and Netflix’s Resident Evil series. Their father, Kaz Balinski, works in the oil industry, and her stepmother is model Sophie Anderton.
How Sam Thompson and His Girlfriend Met
The story of how Sam Thompson girlfriend Talitha came into his life involves a professional connection that evolved into romance. The couple first crossed paths in 2023 during a photoshoot for Sam’s sunglasses brand, Dinelli Eyewear, which he co-founded with Made in Chelsea co-star Reza Amiri-Garroussi.
At the time of their first meeting, Sam was still in a relationship with Zara McDermott, and nothing romantic developed between them. However, following Sam’s split from Zara in December 2024, the pair reconnected. Reports suggest they were set up by a mutual friend, and Talitha also appeared as a surprise guest at Sam’s sold-out Staying Relevant live show at The O2 Arena in September 2025.
Since rekindling their connection, Sam Thompson girlfriend Talitha has been introduced to his family, including his sister Louise Thompson, her fiancé Ryan Libbey, and their son Leo. The couple reportedly enjoyed a LEGO-building session together with the family, showcasing their relaxed and playful dynamic.
Relationship Timeline: Key Milestones
Understanding the journey of Sam Thompson girlfriend relationship requires examining the key dates and events that have shaped their romance.
2023: First Meeting
Sam and Talitha first met during a campaign photoshoot for Dinelli Eyewear. Sam was in a committed relationship with Zara McDermott at this time, so their interaction remained purely professional.
December 2024: Sam’s Split from Zara
Sam and Zara McDermott officially confirmed their five-year relationship had ended just before New Year’s Day 2025. A source revealed that the decision was “incredibly difficult” but that they had “drifted apart”.
Early 2025: Reconnection
Following his breakup, Sam began dating again. He briefly dated Love Island star Samie Elishi, though the relationship ended after approximately two months due to busy schedules.
October 2025: Hard Launch
Sam made his relationship with Talitha public in what fans dubbed an “elite hard launch.” He posted an Instagram video of himself building Harry Potter LEGO sets at home, with Talitha appearing at the end wearing a Sorting Hat and asking, “What did I miss?”
October 2025: Podcast Confirmation
On his Staying Relevant podcast with Pete Wicks, Sam confirmed he was dating Talitha but noted there was “no pressure” or “time frame” on their relationship. He described everything as “super relaxed”.
December 2025: Official Girlfriend Status
In the most recent episode of the Staying Relevant podcast, Sam Thompson excitedly announced, “I’ve got a girlfriend! I’ve got a girlfriend!” He revealed how he asked Talitha to be his official girlfriend over dinner, telling her, “I really like you… I wouldn’t be dating someone this long if I didn’t believe it could last. So will you be my girlfriend?” She said yes.
Public Appearances and Social Media Moments
Since going public, Sam Thompson girlfriend Talitha has become a recognisable figure in his social media content. Their relationship has been characterised by several memorable moments that have delighted fans.
The couple was photographed enjoying a romantic dinner at Scalini Restaurant in Chelsea shortly after their Instagram reveal. Sam wore a light blue shirt paired with navy trousers, while Talitha stunned in a stylish off-the-shoulder grey top and white pants.
Their LEGO-themed date night became an instant viral sensation. The video featured Sam’s sister Louise Thompson playfully teasing Sam about his love for both Harry Potter and LEGO, creating a warm family atmosphere that resonated with viewers. One commenter described it as “an elite hard launch,” while others noted that “something feels so right here”.
Sam has already introduced Talitha to his close circle, including his podcast team. However, as of late October 2025, she had not yet met Pete Wicks, with Sam joking that he would be “absolutely terrified” to make that introduction.
Sam Thompson’s Past Relationships
Before Sam Thompson girlfriend Talitha entered his life, Sam had several high-profile relationships that played out in the public eye.
Tiffany Watson (2014-2017)
Sam’s first major public relationship was with fellow Made in Chelsea star Tiffany Watson. Their three-year romance was marked by cheating allegations from both parties and multiple breakups. Sam has since admitted he wasn’t “mature enough” for her at the time.
Amelia Lily (2017)
Following their time on Celebrity Big Brother, Sam briefly dated singer Amelia Lily. Sam has acknowledged he “mistreated her,” contributing to their breakup.
Sophie Habboo (2018)
Before Zara, Sam dated Made in Chelsea co-star Sophie Habboo for six months. Sophie eventually began dating Sam’s close friend Jamie Laing, and the two are now married.
Zara McDermott (2019-2024)
Sam’s longest and most significant relationship was with former Love Island contestant Zara McDermott. Zara famously “slid into his DMs” in 2019, and they quickly became serious. The relationship weathered a major storm in 2020 when Zara admitted to cheating on Sam during her time on The X Factor: Celebrity. Sam eventually forgave her, but their reconciliation proved temporary. After five years together, they confirmed their split in December 2024.
Zara has since moved on with One Direction star Louis Tomlinson, publicly confirming their relationship in August 2025.
Career Highlights: Both Partners
Sam Thompson girlfriend Talitha and Sam himself have each built impressive careers in entertainment and media.
Sam Thompson’s Career Achievements
- Made in Chelsea cast member (2013-2021)
- Celebrity Big Brother third-place finish (2017)
- I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! winner (2023)
- Hits Radio presenter (2022-present)
- Co-host of Staying Relevant podcast with Pete Wicks
- Inside Out 2 UK cameo as Security Man Sam (2024)
- Soccer Aid Match Ball Relay participant, raising over £2 million for UNICEF (June 2025)
- Co-founder of Dinelli Eyewear sunglasses brand
Talitha Balinska’s Career Achievements
- Premier Models signed talent
- DJ and music producer specialising in house music
- Digital content creator with 500,000+ TikTok followers
- Appearances on the “On Repeat” podcast
- Brand partnerships with fashion and lifestyle companies
- Instagram influencer with 168,000+ followers
Why Fans Love This Couple
The pairing of Sam Thompson girlfriend Talitha with the I’m a Celebrity winner has resonated with fans for several reasons. First, their relationship appears genuinely relaxed and pressure-free, with Sam emphasising on his podcast that they’re simply “enjoying it” without rushing into labels.
The couple’s shared interests, including Sam’s love for Harry Potter and LEGO, have created endearing content that showcases their playful dynamic. Talitha’s willingness to embrace Sam’s quirky hobbies, including wearing a Sorting Hat for their Instagram reveal, suggests a compatible and fun partnership.
Additionally, Sam Thompson girlfriend Talitha has seamlessly integrated with his family, spending time with sister Louise, nephew Leo, and brother-in-law Ryan. This family acceptance appears to be significant for Sam, who remains incredibly close to his sister despite the challenges she has faced with her health.
Conclusion
The relationship between Sam Thompson and his girlfriend Talitha Balinska represents an exciting new chapter for both individuals. After navigating a difficult public breakup from Zara McDermott, Sam appears to have found happiness with the talented DJ and model. Their connection, which began professionally and blossomed into romance, has been characterised by a refreshingly relaxed approach that fans find endearing.
As of December 2025, Sam Thompson girlfriend Talitha has been officially welcomed into the fold, with Sam proudly announcing on his podcast that she accepted his request to be his girlfriend. With both individuals enjoying successful careers in entertainment and media, and their obvious compatibility evident in their public appearances, this couple seems well-positioned for a bright future together. Fans will undoubtedly continue following their journey with enthusiasm as they navigate their relationship in the spotlight.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Who is Sam Thompson’s girlfriend in 2025?
A1: Sam Thompson girlfriend is Talitha Balinska, a 25-year-old London-based DJ, model, and digital content creator. Sam officially confirmed their relationship in December 2025 on his Staying Relevant podcast, revealing he asked her to be his girlfriend over dinner.
Q2: How did Sam Thompson and Talitha Balinska meet?
A2: Sam and Talitha first met in 2023 during a photoshoot for Sam’s sunglasses brand, Dinelli Eyewear. At the time, Sam was still with Zara McDermott. They reconnected after his breakup in late 2024 through a mutual friend.
Q3: How old is Talitha Balinska?
A3: Talitha Balinska was born on 14 November 2000, making her 25 years old. Sam Thompson, born on 2 August 1992, is 33 years old, creating an eight-year age gap between them.
Q4: Is Talitha Balinska related to Ella Balinska from Charlie’s Angels?
A4: Yes, Talitha Balinska is the half-sister of actress Ella Balinska, who starred in the 2019 Charlie’s Angels reboot alongside Kristen Stewart and appeared in Netflix’s Resident Evil series.
Q5: Why did Sam Thompson and Zara McDermott break up?
A5: Sam and Zara ended their five-year relationship in December 2024. Sources indicated they had “drifted apart” due to different work commitments and were “delaying the inevitable.” Zara’s cheating scandal in 2020 reportedly created lasting trust issues, with sources suggesting they “never recovered” fully.
Q6: What does Talitha Balinska do for work?
A6: Talitha is a multi-talented creative who works as a DJ, music producer, model signed with Premier Artists, and digital content creator. She specialises in house music and has a significant following across TikTok and Instagram.
Q7: When did Sam Thompson and Talitha Balinska go public?
A7: The couple went public with their relationship in October 2025, with their first major reveal being an Instagram video of them building LEGO sets together. Sam officially announced Talitha as his girlfriend on his podcast in December 2025.
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