Spending a day with best friends Sam Thompson and Pete Wicks is almost guaranteed to end in uncontrollable laughter, and our exclusive shoot with the duo proves exactly why their friendship has become one of the most beloved double acts on UK television and podcasting. From the moment they arrive, their chaotic humour fills the room — especially when they attempt to pose for photos. “Pete’s so much better at this than me,” Sam admits, bursting into a grin. “He has to lead. I have no idea what I’m doing!”

Their playful teasing, warm affection, and the ease with which they bounce off one another reveal a bond that goes much deeper than entertainment. Unlike many friendships in showbiz, theirs feels strikingly authentic — and it’s this realness that underpins the massive success of their hit podcast Staying Relevant, their O2 Arena live show, and their new book. They’re not performing friendship; they’re living it.

Sam says he's like Pete's 'safety woodpecker'(Reach PLC / Alex James)

Yet behind the jokes, the pair admit that life hasn’t always been light-hearted. Pete opens up about how Sam has become one of the few constants in his life. “When things get tough, I tend to disappear,” he says. “I’ve made mistakes and I’ve always dealt with things my own way. But now I’ve got Sam in the background, pecking at my head nonstop. He’s there if I need him.”

“I’m like a safety woodpecker!” Sam, 33, chimes in proudly. “I send him Harry Potter quotes when he’s down.” Pete, 37, rolls his eyes: “I’ve never seen Harry Potter. I don’t care what Dumbled**k has to say.” Still, the affection between them is unmistakable.

Sam, too, has weathered a turbulent year: the end of his long-term relationship with Zara McDermott — now dating One Direction’s Louis Tomlinson — a painful leg injury during a multi-marathon charity challenge, and continued personal exploration of his neurodiversity. Pete explains Sam’s coping mechanism with a smile: “When Sam’s down, he’ll call everyone in his phone book repeatedly — specifically me. He doesn’t trust his own decisions, but actually he already knows the right answers. He just likes having a soundboard.”

They're very different personalities - but together they work(Reach PLC / Alex James)

Those contrasting personalities have made Staying Relevant a runaway success, recently surpassing 10 million downloads and selling out the O2 Arena. Their new book captures the same “best mates having a chat” dynamic that fans adore.

Sam jokes, “Pete’s the dad and I’m the drunk mum at a wedding dancing to ABBA! He speaks for the people. There aren’t many people in this industry who are truly themselves — but Pete is.” Pete quickly cuts in: “That’s complete b******s. Sam’s the nation’s sweetheart. I’m just the hairy bloke calming him down.”

Despite their comedic approach, both men stay relatively guarded about their romantic lives. Rumours have swirled about Sam dating model Talitha Balinska and Pete being linked to Strictly Come Dancing partner Jowita Przystal, but they insist they try to keep something for themselves.

Pete's the dad and I'm the drunk mum at the wedding", laughs Sam(Reach PLC / Alex James)

In one recent podcast episode, Sam joked that Pete was “sad, lonely and depressed” after being invited on a double date, causing fans to speculate about their off-screen emotions. They laugh it off now. “Sometimes you forget who’s listening,” Sam says. “You say something joke-y and suddenly it’s taken seriously. You want to have honest conversations, but there’s always noise.”

Pete nods. “We’re just being ourselves, like two mates down the pub, but Chinese whispers happen. That’s part of the game.”

The conversation turns to the kiss Pete shared with Jowita during their O2 performance — a routine originally intended for the Strictly final. “I wanted to give her the dance she choreographed for us at the start,” Pete says. “I wasn’t good enough to get her to the final. So the O2 felt like the right place to fulfil that promise.”

Both men have been in high-profile relationships, and fans often expect them to spill more tea than they’re willing to. “Some things need to stay private,” Pete explains. “People love gossip — that’s just how society is. But as long as those close to us know we’re OK, that’s what matters.”

Sam admits it's 'hard to hear the noise' that comes with opening up about his personal life(Reach PLC / Alex James)

Beyond dating speculation, Sam and Pete continue thriving individually. Sam won I’m A Celebrity in 2023, and Pete’s show For Dogs’ Sake has been a major hit. Pete also reached the Strictly semi-finals with Jowita last year. He admits he misses the show: “I loved it. I miss the routine and stepping outside my comfort zone. It was humbling.”

On the surprise departure of longtime hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, Pete says, “It was a shock. They’re incredible. They are Strictly. Whoever replaces them will have big shoes to fill.”

For Pete, it's important that 'some things are kept private'(Reach PLC / Alex James)

Sam jumps in with excitement: “Pete has to be the new presenter! The new Tess!” Pete shakes his head. “I’m not cutting a fringe. And us hosting would be complete chaos. I don’t think Strictly will be calling anytime soon.”

But Sam insists he’d say yes immediately. “I’d be shocked if it happened, but I’d give it a go!”

With their book now on shelves just in time for Christmas, the pair are celebrating not only professional success but the strength of their friendship.

On taking on Tess and Claud's mantel, Pete jokes he's 'not ready to cut in a fringe'(Reach PLC / Alex James)

“We’re not just a double act,” Sam says softly. “When we come together, we’re at our best. I’m at my happiest. No matter what we do on our own, we always come back with stories — that’s what keeps it fresh.”

Pete nods. “We give each other space, but nothing is better than when we’re together.”

Staying Relevant: The Book by Sam Thompson and Pete Wicks (Sphere) is out now.

( Sources: BBC Entertainment, The Guardian, The Independent, ITV News )