Former Made In Chelsea star Sam Thompson has publicly disclosed that he recently underwent vocal cord surgery to remove a cyst, attributing the medical issue to his habit of "shouting too much." The 33-year-old television personality shared candid clips from his hospital bed on Instagram Stories ahead of the procedure, expressing both nervousness and humour about the situation.
Revealing the Surgery Details
In the social media posts, Sam Thompson explained to his followers that the surgery had been scheduled for some time due to a cyst developing on his vocal cords. He directly linked the condition to his talkative nature, stating, "It's because I talk too much and shout too loudly and I keep losing my voice really easily." The reality star admitted to feeling anxious about being put under anesthesia for the first time, confessing, "I'm a bit nervous, I don't like not being in control."
Post-Surgery Recovery and Family Support
Thompson humorously noted that his sister Louise would be picking him up from the hospital despite his adult age of 33. Louise later shared on her own Instagram Story that Sam faces a challenging three-day period of vocal rest following the procedure, which she predicted would be difficult given his naturally playful and loquacious personality. This family dynamic added a lighthearted touch to the serious medical update.
Valentine's Day Plans with Girlfriend Talitha Balinska
The surgery announcement comes shortly after Sam Thompson detailed his romantic intentions for Valentine's Day with girlfriend Talitha Balinska, a model he began dating in September following his 2024 split from Zara McDermott. During a recent episode of his podcast "Staying Relevant," Thompson discussed his nerves about celebrating their first Valentine's Day together after recently confessing his love to Balinska for the first time.
Intimate Celebration Vision
Thompson described his ideal Valentine's Day as a low-key, intimate affair centered around thoughtful gestures rather than extravagant gifts. His plans included hand-delivering a carefully written card alongside roses—preferably a mixed arrangement of red and white blooms—before cooking a special dinner at home with wine. He specifically mentioned Rioja as his wine of choice, admitting it's "the only one I know."
The television personality envisioned creating a romantic atmosphere with background music and shared kitchen time, emphasizing, "I don't want to overdo it." However, he expressed anxiety about getting the celebration right, telling podcast co-host Pete Wicks, "It's just a scary time mate. I feel like as a boyfriend you sit there and think 'What if I get it all wrong'. I don't want to f*** it up, especially first Valentine's Day."
Abandoned Ski Trip Plans
Thompson revealed that his original Valentine's Day idea involved whisking Balinska away on a romantic ski trip, but work commitments forced him to abandon those plans. He admitted the holiday was "a pipe dream that started and ended in this studio," noting that he fortunately hadn't mentioned the potential trip to his girlfriend before it fell through.
Personal Life Developments
The vocal cord surgery and Valentine's Day planning occur during a period of significant personal transition for Sam Thompson. After a difficult start to 2025 following his breakup with Zara McDermott, Thompson has experienced positive developments including his new relationship with Talitha Balinska, a sold-out show at London's O2 Arena, and notable charity achievements. His openness about both medical and romantic matters continues to engage his substantial fan base across multiple platforms.
