When people hear the name Sam Vanderpump, they often think about Made in Chelsea, his fun energy on screen, and his close link to reality-TV royalty. But behind the fame, Sam’s story is much deeper. It is full of love, family, big dreams, and also some very real and very scary moments. Today, Sam finds himself in the biggest fight of his life — and somehow, he is still facing it with hope.
Let’s take a gentle walk through the story behind Sam Vanderpump, his life before the cameras, the people who shaped him, and the heartbreaking health battle that changed everything.
Who Is Sam Vanderpump?
If you’ve watched Made in Chelsea, you’ve probably noticed Sam Vanderpump right away. He is funny, loud, friendly, and always ready for a big night out. But Sam is not only a reality-TV star. He is also a businessman, podcast host, and someone who has worked hard since he was young.
Sam was born on 8 March 1997 in Camden, London. His real name is Samuel Mark Vanderpump. He grew up with his parents, Mark and Simone Vanderpump, and his older brother Jack. His family life shaped him in many ways — some happy, some painful — and these moments still affect him today.
Even though Sam is part of the famous Vanderpump family, he didn’t grow up wanting to be a TV star. Before MIC, he was racing karts, building businesses, and learning how money and markets work. He started kart racing at just eight years old, and later jumped into the world of finance. By 18, he was already working in foreign exchange trading.
Today, Sam is known for running Vanderpump FX, working with Dapio, and building his own career far outside his aunt Lisa’s shadow. He always says he wants to stand on his own feet — not just be known as “Lisa Vanderpump’s nephew.”
Family: Love, Loss, and Lisa Vanderpump
One of the strongest parts of Sam’s story is his family. His aunt is Lisa Vanderpump, the huge Bravo star from The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and Vanderpump Rules. Many fans are shocked to learn that Sam and Lisa are so close. But for Sam, she is more than a celebrity. She is his guide, his mentor, and one of the people he trusts most.
This bond grew even stronger after something tragic happened.
In 2018, Sam’s father Mark Vanderpump died. The inquest ruled his death as suicide, but Lisa has always believed it was a terrible accident. Mark was only 59 years old. Losing his father changed Sam forever. Even today, talking about his dad still brings him to tears.
Sam once said that Lisa became his “rock” after his dad passed away. When Sam struggles, she is one of the first people he turns to. She supports his career, encourages him to stay calm on TV, and celebrates every milestone with him — including the moment he got engaged and the day he announced his baby news.
Sam’s mother Simone is also an important figure. She once worked as Prince Andrew’s private chef, a detail Sam rarely shares because his mum is very private. Sam often says he gets his strength from her — especially during the hardest moments of his life.
Love Story: How Sam Met Alice Yaxley
Sam’s life changed again in July 2024, when he met Alice Yaxley, a beautiful London-born model. They met at Alice’s birthday party, thanks to mutual Chelsea friends. Sam said he noticed her right away — and they quickly became inseparable.
Their relationship moved fast, They started dating, Then in March 2025, Sam proposed. And by September 2025, they announced they were expecting their first baby.
Their baby boy already has a name: Marmaduke, or Duke for short — a name that carries a sweet story connected to Sam’s late father.
Alice is not only Sam’s partner. She is also a big part of his survival story. During his terrifying health crisis, Alice was the one who realized something was very wrong. She was the one who called the ambulance. And doctors later said she saved his life.
When Everything Changed: Sam’s Health Crisis
Just when life seemed full of joy — engagement, love, baby news — everything took a dark turn.
In December 2024, Sam became very sick. At first, it looked like the flu. He had back pain, felt tired, and thought he just needed rest. But soon he became confused, dehydrated, and unable to think clearly.
The truth was much worse. Sam had sepsis — a life-threatening reaction to infection. His liver and kidneys were failing. Doctors told him that if he got to the hospital 24 hours later, he wouldn’t have survived. It was that close.
But this wasn’t the only problem. The infection woke up two rare, genetic conditions Sam was born with:
- Congenital hepatic fibrosis
- Polycystic kidney disease (PKD)
These conditions had stayed silent his whole life. But the sepsis triggered everything at once.
This medical crisis was only the beginning — and it led to the saddest diagnosis Sam has ever received.
The Diagnosis That Changed Everything
After the sepsis scare, everyone hoped Sam Vanderpump would slowly get better and return to normal life. He tried his best to stay positive. He kept working, filming Made in Chelsea, spending time with Alice, and getting ready to be a dad. But in the months that followed, something still didn’t feel right. His energy was low, he felt strange pains, and he worried every time he had a small symptom.
Then came the moment that changed everything.
One day, Sam received a message through his NHS app. It was from the doctors at King’s College Hospital. He opened it, slowly, thinking it was a normal appointment update. Instead, it was a short letter that made his heart stop.
The doctors told him his latest scans showed he had end-stage liver disease.
It was irreversible.
And without a liver transplant, his liver would not survive another four to five years.
Imagine receiving that news just weeks after announcing a pregnancy. Imagine hearing that you may not see your own child grow up. Sam said his “tummy dropped” and he was filled with fear he had never felt before. He asked himself the hardest question: “Am I going to die?”
This moment is something he still thinks about every day.
Living With a Life-Changing Illness
End-stage liver disease is not something that improves on its own. Sam explained on the show that his liver “would not get better.” The doctors made it clear that the only hope was a transplant. This means Sam now waits for a phone call — the call that could save his life.
He often says he wants to stay healthy enough to reach the day someone tells him, “We found you a liver.” Until then, he takes every day as a gift. He tries to stay calm, even when life feels uncertain.
And yes, he still gets scared. He has said that every new pain makes him wonder, “Is this sepsis again?” That fear doesn’t go away easily after almost dying. But he tries to keep a strong mind. He keeps telling himself, “I’m healthy now.” He hopes that staying positive will help him stay stable while he waits for the transplant.
This is something many people find inspiring about Sam Vanderpump. Even in the face of fear, he keeps moving forward.
Alice: The Partner Who Stays Strong Beside Him
One person who has been by Sam’s side through everything is Alice Yaxley. She is not only his fiancée but also his best friend, his support, and the person he turns to during every hard moment. She carried him through the darkest days — from the night she saved his life to helping him stay calm after the diagnosis.
Alice has been open about how emotional it is to watch Sam discuss his illness on Made in Chelsea. She said she cried when she saw him talking to Ollie and Tabitha about his future. She also said watching herself on TV feels strange, but she did it because she wanted to understand what Sam was going through.
Fans love Alice for her honesty and her caring heart. Many wrote comments saying she is “selfless,” “strong,” and “the best person to support Sam.” And it’s true. Even when she is scared, she stands next to him with love and hope.
Together, Sam and Alice are preparing for their baby boy Marmaduke, due in February 2026. They even placed a sofa-bed in their home so family can stay over when Sam is unwell. Their bond shows what real love looks like during a crisis.
Aunt Lisa’s Role in Sam’s Life
Even though Sam is building his own identity, his aunt Lisa Vanderpump continues to be a huge part of his life. She gave him advice when he joined Made in Chelsea, telling him to stay calm and speak quietly even when things get dramatic.
When Sam and Alice shared their pregnancy news, Lisa reacted with shock at first, but then with pure happiness. She loves her nephew deeply, and seeing him start a family is emotional for her as well — especially after losing her brother Mark, Sam’s father.
Lisa has also supported Sam’s health journey and praised him publicly for his bravery. Sometimes, having someone who believes in you makes all the difference.
Turning Pain Into Purpose
Instead of hiding his illness, Sam Vanderpump decided to speak openly about it. He wanted to help other people who may miss the early signs of sepsis or ignore strange symptoms. Now, he works with The UK Sepsis Trust, Kidney Research UK, and NHS Organ Donation to raise awareness.
He tells people to “listen to your body,” because small signs — like back pain, dehydration, or feeling confused — saved his life. Thousands of fans have thanked him for sharing his story. Some even said that his posts made them check their own symptoms and get help early.
This is where Sam’s strength truly shows. Even when his own future feels uncertain, he uses his voice to save others.
A Future Full of Hope
Yes, Sam’s diagnosis is serious. Yes, end-stage liver disease is scary. And yes, waiting for a transplant is one of the hardest things a person can face. But Sam Vanderpump chooses hope.
Sam chooses love, He chooses his family. He chooses to enjoy every day with Alice. And he chooses to believe he will be there to raise his son.
Sam often says, “Hopefully I’ll stay healthy until the day they call me in.”
That hope keeps him moving forward.
No matter what happens next, one thing is clear:
Sam Vanderpump’s story is not only about illness — it is about strength, love, family, and the courage to keep going, even when the future is unknown.
