Sam Thompson Falls to His Knees as Pete Wicks Makes Awkward Louis Tomlinson Dig at Live Show

When Sam Thompson took the stage for a live recording of his hit podcast Staying Relevant at London’s iconic O2 Arena, he didn’t expect his best friend and co-host Pete Wicks to pull off one of the cheekiest pranks of the year. The 33-year-old reality star, best known for his time on Made In Chelsea, was left red-faced when Pete made a pointed dig at his ex-girlfriend Zara McDermott’s new romance with One Direction star Louis Tomlinson.

The crowd roared with laughter as Sam dramatically fell to his knees on stage, burying his head in his hands while the band played One Direction’s smash hit Steal My Girl.

This playful but awkward moment has since gone viral, sparking headlines, fan chatter, and plenty of debate online.

Pete Wicks’ Onstage Prank

During the live podcast recording, Pete Wicks orchestrated a stunt that would instantly test Sam’s composure. With the house band ready, Pete instructed them to start playing One Direction’s “Steal My Girl”, a cheeky reference to Zara’s high-profile new relationship with Tomlinson.

Sam immediately rushed onstage in an attempt to stop the music, shouting and waving his hands in embarrassment. But Pete wasn’t done yet. Laughing, he admitted:

“I’ll be honest with you, mate, I may have messed up there. I honestly thought that would go in a different direction.”

The joke brought the O2 crowd to their feet, but Sam responded by collapsing to his knees in mock despair, a reaction that has since become a meme among fans. Pete only doubled down, telling the band to start the track again, much to the delight of the audience.

Why the Joke Hit Close to Home

The reason Pete’s prank struck such a nerve is because of Sam Thompson’s very public breakup with Zara McDermott. After five years together, the couple split in December 2024, shocking fans who had believed marriage was on the horizon.

Not long after the breakup, Zara was romantically linked to Louis Tomlinson, sending shockwaves through both the Made In Chelsea and One Direction fandoms. The two have since gone Instagram official, with Zara even posting a kissing snap captioned with Tomlinson’s heartfelt “I love you.”

With Zara now reportedly spending most of her time at Tomlinson’s North London mansion, Pete’s reference to Steal My Girl became a bittersweet but humorous nod to Sam’s recent heartbreak.

Sam Thompson Opens Up About His Breakup

While Pete’s stunt may have been lighthearted, Sam himself has admitted that the past year has been one of the toughest of his life. During the same live show, he reflected on how much support he’s received from Pete Wicks:

“You probably know, and there are a select few people you can rely on in those moments. Pete is the epitome of tough exterior, gooey centre, like an onion with many, many layers. Caring, loyal, gentle, angry—but he’s the most supportive, best friend I could ever ask for.”

Their friendship has become one of the highlights of Staying Relevant, with fans praising their banter, honesty, and chemistry on stage.

A Look Back at Sam and Zara’s Relationship

To fully understand why this moment resonated with fans, it’s worth revisiting the history of Sam Thompson and Zara McDermott’s relationship:

• 2019: The couple began dating after Zara famously slid into Sam’s DMs.

• 2020: The pair briefly split after Zara admitted to being unfaithful during her time on The X Factor: Celebrity. Sam forgave her, and they reconciled.

• 2019–2024: The couple weathered ups and downs but appeared stronger than ever, with many fans expecting an engagement.

• December 2024: Their five-year relationship came to an end, with reports suggesting Zara had “put everything” into making it work but ultimately felt she had to move on.

According to insiders, Sam was “devastated” by how quickly Zara’s relationship with Louis Tomlinson became public.

Zara McDermott and Louis Tomlinson’s Relationship

While Sam has been navigating heartbreak, Zara’s romance with Louis Tomlinson has developed rapidly. The couple have been spotted together frequently, and Zara now reportedly spends the majority of her time at Louis’ multi-million-pound mansion.

Their relationship has received the blessing of both their families, with siblings on both sides commenting on their social media posts in support. Fans, however, remain divided—some thrilled to see Zara happy, others sympathetic toward Sam.

How Sam Is Moving Forward

Despite the awkwardness of Pete’s prank, Sam has been focusing on rebuilding his life. Friends close to him have revealed that he has been going out more, spending quality time with family, and leaning on Pete and his Chelsea circle for support.

While he’s not officially dating anyone new, Sam has reportedly been on a few casual dates. For now, however, he’s prioritizing his podcast, television opportunities, and friendships over diving into another relationship.

Audience Reaction to the Live Show Moment

Fans in attendance at the O2 Arena live podcast were quick to take to social media, sharing clips and reactions. Many praised Sam for taking the joke in stride, while others applauded Pete’s ability to push the boundaries of their friendship for entertainment value.

Some comments included:

• “Pete is savage, but Sam is such a good sport.”

• “You could tell it hit a little close to home, but Sam handled it brilliantly.”

• “This is why Staying Relevant is the funniest podcast out there right now.”

The moment quickly began trending among One Direction fans and Made In Chelsea fans, proving just how much crossover interest exists between the two worlds.

Why This Moment Matters

Sam Thompson’s reaction to Pete Wicks’ Louis Tomlinson joke is about more than just a viral gag. It highlights the enduring interest fans have in celebrity relationships, heartbreak, and the way public figures handle life’s most awkward moments.

For Sam, the prank might have been uncomfortable, but it also showed his resilience, sense of humor, and ability to laugh at himself—even in front of thousands of fans.

Final Thoughts

The live podcast moment where Sam Thompson fell to his knees after Pete Wicks played One Direction’s Steal My Girl has already gone down as one of the funniest and most memorable moments in their friendship. While Sam’s breakup with Zara McDermott and her new relationship with Louis Tomlinson continues to be a topic of public fascination, Sam’s ability to laugh through the pain proves why he remains such a beloved figure in British reality TV.

As he focuses on his future, his friendship with Pete Wicks and his thriving podcast career will no doubt carry him forward. And if this viral live show moment is anything to go by, fans can expect plenty more laughs, awkward stunts, and heartfelt moments from the duo in the months to come.