Sam Thompson has addressed rumours he’s signed up for Strictly Come Dancingamid speculation over this yea’’s line-up.
The BBC competition is undergoing a major shake-up for 2026 with Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe becoming an unlikely trio of hosts and several professional dancers have been axed.
The names taking to the ballroom floor this year have yet to be announced, though Sam has now addressed any speculation he could be taking part.
The I’m A Celebrity winner and former Made in Chelsea star is no stranger to the series, having supported both best friend Pete Wicks and ex-girlfriend Zara McDermott during their stints on Strictly.
However, he’s ruled out following in their footsteps, telling The Mirror ahead of taking part in Soccer Aid this weekend: “Everyone thinks I’m doing Strictly, I’m not doing Strictly! I haven’t even been to meet them and they keep saying I am.”
View 3 ImagesSam is playing at Soccer Aid alongside the likes of Olly Murs and Wayne Rooney (Image: UNICEF/Soccer Aid Productions/Stella Pictures)
He added: “I’ve done too much, I’ve done a lot. First of all, I’m really bad at dancing… never say never but I can’t keep doing TV shows!”
Reflecting on his TV past, Sam said he “couldn’t beat” his experience on I’m A Celebrity, after being crowned King of the Jungle in 2023.
From the following year, he presented I’m A Celebrity… Unpacked with Joel Dommett and Kemi Rodgers.
Asked if he would return for the next All Stars series, Sam replied: “No, I had such a good time… I want to work on it, work on I’m A Celebrity. So I feel like my time in reality TV might be done, but you never know!”
View 3 ImagesSam supported best friend Pete Wicks through his stint on Strictly (Image: PA)
Joining Gladiators’ Nitro, who took part in Strictly last year, for a pitchside interview ahead of their training week for the charity football game this weekend, Sam insisted he couldn’t be persuaded.
He echoed: |There’s so much chat about that at the moment, I’m not doing it!”
Talking about taking part in Soccer Aid for UNICEF this year, Sam shared his excitement, calling it “the best four days of the year”.
He’ll be joining the likes of Olly Murs, Tom Hiddleston, Owen Cooper, Wayne Rooney and Jill Scott on the pitch.
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Sam said: “When we all get together, they’re such a great group of guys and we all get to pretend we’re footballers for four days, so we all get pretty into it.’
Soccer Aid for UNICEF takes place on Sunday, May 31