Sam Thompson to explore if he has ADHD in new E4 documentary

6 February 2023

Former Made in Chelsea star-turned-content creator and presenter, Sam Thompson is known for his larger-than-life, creative and high-energy persona. He’s also known by those close to him for his impulsiveness, for forgetting appointments and losing not only his car keys, but those of girlfriend Zara McDermott too…

For years, his girlfriend, friends and family have told him he exhibits signs of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). But last year as he approached his 30th birthday, Sam made the decision to finally get tested for ADHD and explore what a possible diagnosis might mean for him. This new 1x60’ documentary, Sam Thompson: Is This ADHD? produced by South Shore, follows Sam as he finally addresses the theory. 

Sam wants to know more about the condition and late diagnosis, how this neurodivergence presents in different people and if it affects relationships like his and Zara’s – and how medication might work. If Sam does have ADHD, is there a chance that medication could change the creativity he’s built his career around?

With years’ worth of questions swirling around in his creative brain, Sam is in pursuit of answers – meeting doctors and professionals but also others who have been diagnosed later in life, to find out how they navigate their own ADHD.

With exclusive access to Sam’s life over this unpredictable period, complete with self-shot video diaries, this documentary will show us a rawer side of Sam as his behaviour is placed under a microscope.

Speaking about the documentary, Sam Thompson said: “As someone who has worked in television for nearly a decade, I’ve shared some of my most personal moments with the world. But nothing has come close to this. This documentary is the most vulnerable I’ve felt in front of the camera, as I wanted to be totally open about how I react to people in situations, and whether these could be linked to ADHD. It has been an incredible, and at times, scary experience, but by exploring what’s been going on inside my head, I hope people can see that we should be more understanding before judging others. I also want to encourage people to learn more about themselves, and be proud of everything that makes them unique.”

Commissioning Editor, Mel Bezalel said: “Sam has essentially grown up on E4. He was 21 when he first appeared in Made in Chelsea, and we all love his energy, warmth and the creative chaos he brings into any room. The film’s exclusive access to Sam’s life as well as his creative brain make this an insightful but also entertaining documentary – and unmistakably E4”.

Caroline Davies, Director of Programmes of South Shore said: “As awareness of ADHD rockets on social media we’re really proud to be exploring the subject with Sam; whilst also giving the E4 audience a new perspective on his life in London.”

Sam Thompson: Is This ADHD? is produced by South Shore. It is executive produced by Mel Leach and Caroline Davies; directed by Sophie Wright. 

It was commissioned for E4 by Commissioning Editor Mel Bezalel. 

E4 is a home for factual and reality, from the high stakes drama of Married at First Sight to the fun escapism of Below Deck and the authentic singles on Teen First Dates. This documentary with Sam Thompson: Is This ADHD?) is part of a wider strategy to amplify E4’s factual voice, meaningfully connecting with young audiences on issues that matter most to them.

Sam Thompson: Is This ADHD? is expected to air on E4 soon.