Introduction
Sam Vanderpump has become a recognisable name among British reality television viewers, particularly since joining the cast of Made in Chelsea. While his famous surname immediately connects him to Lisa Vanderpump, Sam has gradually established his own identity through television, business projects and his personal life.
Born in London in 1997, Sam entered the public eye as a young adult and quickly attracted attention because of his connection to the wider Vanderpump family. His relationship with Alice Yaxley has also become an important part of his story, with the couple marrying in December 2025. More recently, Sam has spoken publicly about serious health challenges and his wait for a life-saving liver transplant.
This article looks at Sam Vanderpump’s age, family, career, relationship, television appearances and latest publicly reported developments.
Who Is Sam Vanderpump?
Sam Vanderpump is a British reality television personality best known for his appearance on Made in Chelsea.
He joined the E4 reality series in 2024, becoming part of the show’s younger generation of cast members. His arrival attracted immediate interest because he is the nephew of Lisa Vanderpump, the internationally recognised television personality and restaurateur.
In an interview with HELLO!, Sam explained that Lisa had been supportive of his television career and had offered him advice about handling himself on reality television. He also described her as an important source of guidance following the death of his father, Mark Vanderpump, in 2018.
Sam Vanderpump Age and Birthday
Sam Vanderpump was born on 7 March 1997 in London, England. Based on that publicly listed birth date, he is 29 years old in 2026. IMDb identifies his full name as Samuel Mark Vanderpump.
His age was around 27 when he first joined Made in Chelsea, making him one of the younger additions to the programme’s cast at the time.
Sam’s London upbringing and connection to the Vanderpump family have played a significant role in public interest surrounding his career.
Sam Vanderpump Family Background
Sam is the son of Mark Vanderpump, Lisa Vanderpump’s brother, and Simone Vanderpump.
Lisa has described her relationship with her nephew as particularly close, especially following Mark’s death in 2018. Sam himself has spoken about how difficult losing his father was and how Lisa became an important source of support afterward.
His aunt Lisa is one of the most recognisable names in international reality television. She became widely known through The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and later Vanderpump Rules, while also developing a substantial hospitality and business career.
Despite his family connection, Sam has pursued his own television career rather than simply relying on his aunt’s fame.
Sam Vanderpump on Made in Chelsea
Sam became part of Made in Chelsea during its 27th series.
The programme follows the social lives, friendships, relationships and careers of a group of young people connected with London’s Chelsea area. Sam’s introduction brought another reality-TV connection to the show because viewers were already familiar with his aunt through American reality television.
His storyline included his relationship with Alice Yaxley and his growing interest in establishing his own place within the entertainment industry.
Radio Times later reported on Sam’s decision to propose to Alice, highlighting how their relationship had developed during his time on the show.
Sam Vanderpump and Alice Yaxley
Sam’s relationship with Alice Yaxley became an important part of his public story.
The couple became engaged in February 2025 after Sam decided he wanted to marry Alice following a difficult period in his life. Their engagement received attention from both Made in Chelsea viewers and the wider entertainment press.
The couple subsequently married in an intimate London ceremony on 14 December 2025. HELLO! reported that the wedding took place at the Kensington and Chelsea Register Office in front of a small group of family and friends.
By 2026, Sam and Alice had also entered a new chapter as parents.
Sam Vanderpump as a Father
Sam and Alice welcomed their first child, a son named Marmaduke Marcus “Duke” Vanderpump.
The couple later shared a public photograph with their baby and explained the sentimental meaning behind his name. The name was chosen partly to honour Sam’s late father, Mark.
Becoming a father has added another dimension to Sam’s public story, particularly given the health challenges he has faced in recent years.
Sam Vanderpump’s Health Journey
Sam has been unusually open about his health in comparison with many reality television personalities.
In 2025, he revealed that he had been diagnosed with end-stage liver disease and that he was waiting for a transplant. His health problems followed a serious illness that included sepsis and organ failure.
Channel 4 reported in March 2026 that its documentary Made in Chelsea: Sam Vanderpump’s Story followed Sam and Alice as they dealt with his life-threatening illness and his wait for a liver transplant. The broadcaster also reported that Sam had survived a near-fatal sepsis infection in 2024 linked to a rare genetic condition.
Sam’s openness has also helped raise awareness of organ donation and the realities faced by people waiting for transplants.
Sam Vanderpump’s Career and Business Interests
Television is not Sam’s only professional interest.
Before becoming a familiar face on Made in Chelsea, he had experience working with family businesses. Public profiles have also associated him with entrepreneurship and podcasting.
He created and hosted the Filthy Rich Podcast, which focuses on people and businesses and explores how entrepreneurs have built their careers.
His television profile has expanded beyond Made in Chelsea, with IMDb also listing him in connection with Vanderpump Villa.
Interesting Facts About Sam Vanderpump
Several details have helped make Sam’s story stand out:
- Sam was born in London on 7 March 1997.
- He is Lisa Vanderpump’s nephew.
- His father was Mark Vanderpump.
- He joined Made in Chelsea in 2024.
- He became engaged to Alice Yaxley in 2025.
- Sam and Alice married in December 2025.
- The couple have a son.
- Sam has spoken publicly about his need for a liver transplant.
- He has used his public platform to raise awareness around organ donation.
- He has also explored entrepreneurship and podcasting.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How old is Sam Vanderpump?
Sam Vanderpump was born on 7 March 1997, making him 29 years old in 2026.
2. Who is Sam Vanderpump’s wife?
Sam Vanderpump is married to Alice Yaxley. They married in London on 14 December 2025.
3. Is Sam Vanderpump related to Lisa Vanderpump?
Yes. Sam is Lisa Vanderpump’s nephew. His father, Mark Vanderpump, was Lisa’s brother.
4. What is Sam Vanderpump famous for?
Sam is best known for appearing on the British reality television series Made in Chelsea. He has also been associated with Vanderpump Villa.
5. What happened to Sam Vanderpump?
Sam has publicly discussed serious liver disease and his need for a liver transplant. Channel 4 reported in March 2026 that he and Alice were documenting their experience while waiting for a transplant.
Conclusion
Sam Vanderpump has developed a public identity that extends beyond his famous family connection. His appearance on Made in Chelsea introduced him to a British reality-TV audience, while his relationship with Alice Yaxley, their marriage and the arrival of their son have brought further attention to his personal life.
His story has also taken a serious turn through his publicly documented health journey. By speaking openly about his illness and transplant wait, Sam has used his platform for something beyond entertainment, helping bring attention to organ donation and the experiences of people living with serious disease.
From reality television and business interests to family life and advocacy, Sam Vanderpump’s public profile continues to evolve in 2026.