In a candid moment on Made in Chelsea, Sam Vanderpump disclosed his life-altering diagnosis of end-stage liver disease, stressing the critical need for a liver transplant to survive. His journey, marked by previous sepsis and genetic conditions, now includes an engagement and impending fatherhood, fueling his advocacy for organ donation.
The reality television community is united in support for Sam Vanderpump, the 28-year-old star of Made in Chelsea and nephew of esteemed reality TV personality Lisa Vanderpump. Sam recently shared a devastating health update on his show: he has been diagnosed with “end-stage liver disease” and faces a dire prognosis without an urgent liver transplant.
During the Monday, October 27 episode of Made in Chelsea, Sam revealed the gravity of his diagnosis to costar Ollie. Doctors informed him that there is “no hope” for his liver to improve without a transplant and that he might not survive the next “four or five years” otherwise, as reported by People.com. This urgent situation has led to him being immediately sent for a liver transplant assessment.
An Optimistic Outlook Amidst a Critical Condition
Despite the severe nature of his diagnosis, Sam Vanderpump maintains a remarkably optimistic outlook. He shared with Ollie his strategy for coping, stating, “The way I look at it, I’m healthy now. Hopefully I remain healthy all the way up until one day [when] they’ll give me a call, and I’ll go in for a surgery. And then I wake up and I’ll be healthier.” This hopeful perspective underscores his determination to continue living his life fully while awaiting a life-saving procedure.
A History of Health Battles and Genetic Conditions
Sam’s recent diagnosis is not his first encounter with significant health challenges. In December 2024, he suffered a severe health scare when he contracted sepsis, a life-threatening condition where the body’s response to an infection injures its own tissues and organs. This occurred after “a severe asthma attack and weeks of flu-like symptoms,” as he detailed in a September Instagram post with Kidney Research U.K.
He revealed that he has lived with two significant pre-existing genetic conditions: congenital hepatic fibrosis of the liver and polycystic kidney disease (PKD). These conditions put him at “greater risk” for kidney failure if he contracted sepsis. Doctors informed him at the time that his liver and kidneys were not functioning properly, and there was a chance he would be admitted to intensive care. Thankfully, he arrived at the hospital just in time, with his fiancée’s quick thinking possibly saving his life after he became delirious following days of severe back pain and dehydration, according to MailOnline.
During his hospital stay for sepsis, Sam lost 15 kg (approximately 33 pounds) in just eight days. He was eventually discharged in time for Christmas 2024, but the experience left a profound mark, emphasizing the fragility of his health.
Life Milestones Amidst Health Challenges
Despite the ongoing health struggles, Sam Vanderpump has celebrated significant personal milestones in his life. In March 2025, he announced his engagement to his partner, Alice Yaxley, sharing joyful photos from their engagement photoshoot on Instagram with the caption, “She said yes 🤩 💍 23.02.2025.” His aunt, Lisa Vanderpump, expressed her delight, commenting, “Perfect couple. Congratulations again darling… I love you.”
Further joy came in September, when Sam and Alice revealed they are expecting their first child. These moments of happiness underscore the resilience Sam exhibits while navigating his serious health condition.
Joining the Call for Organ Donation
Following the emotional episode of Made in Chelsea, Sam Vanderpump used his platform to advocate for a crucial cause: organ donation. He shared an Instagram post from NHS Organ Donor, highlighting the critical shortage of organ donations. The agency noted that “thousands of people are currently waiting for a life-saving transplant because not enough people agree to donate their organs.”
NHS Organ Donor commended Sam for his courage, stating, “Our thoughts are with Sam and his family as they face this news. We hope that his courage in speaking out will offer inspiration to others.” Sam’s openness has brought much-needed attention to the importance of registering as an organ donor, potentially saving countless lives.
A Family’s Enduring Strength
Sam’s public health journey also brings to mind his family’s past experiences. His father, Mark Vanderpump, older brother to Lisa Vanderpump, tragically passed away in 2018 at the age of 59. An inquest later determined his death was by suicide, with drug toxicity as the cause. This history underscores the family’s strength and resilience in facing life’s profound challenges.
