TV star, 28, could have 'years to live' after ‘heartbreaking’ diagnosis
Made In Chelsea star Sam Vanderpump has been diagnosed with end-stage liver disease, and could have just a few years to live without a transplant
Made In Chelsea's Sam Vanderpump has shared the heartbreaking news that he has been diagnosed with end-stage liver disease.
The 28-year-old, who is related to Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Lisa Vanderpump, joined the E4 reality series in 2024.
Earlier this year, he announced his engagement to model Alice Yaxley, and the couple are expecting their first child together.
However, during Monday's episode, Sam revealed his devastating diagnosis in a conversation with Ollie Locke.
He explained how a genetic liver disease led to an infection that left him hospitalised over Christmas last year, and without a transplant, his life expectancy could be just a few years.
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He said: "We had a call from the doctors and I've got end stage liver disease.
"There is no hope of my liver getting better and he said I wouldn't be having this call with you if I thought you could make it through the next four or five years.
"They're sending me for liver transplant assessment, so yeah," reports OK!.
He added: "The way I look at it is I'm healthy now, hopefully I will remain healthy all the way up until I'll get a call and go in for surgery and then I wake up and I'll be healthier."
End-stage liver disease is the final stage of liver damage, when your liver is damaged beyond repair due to chronic liver disease or acute liver failure. According to the NHS, patients with end-stage liver disease can also develop kidney failure.
After Sam revealed his diagnosis, the official NHS Organ Donation account responded: "You may have seen in tonight's episode of #madeinchelsea, that one of the cast members Sam Vanderpump needs an organ transplant. 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.
"Sadly, thousands of people are currently waiting for a life-saving transplant because not enough people agree to donate their organs.
"If you want to be an organ donor and save lives after your death, please confirm your decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register and ensure your loved ones know and support your decision."
Sam received overwhelming support from viewers following his brave disclosure about his health struggle, with one fan commenting: "Haven't caught up with the episode yet but seeing this post breaks my heart and makes you put things in perspective. Sam, Alice n Baby Vanderpump - I am thinking of you all."
Another supporter expressed: "Sending love and prayers to you Sam, hope you get the treatment you need soon xx."
A third viewer commented: "So sorry Sam this really made me cry tonight. Best of luck," whilst another added: "So heartbreaking. I'm thinking of you and your family and hoping you get a donor soon."
Previously this year, Sam disclosed how he came within 24 hours of losing his life when his vital organs shut down during his fight against sepsis.
"Over Christmas, we went through a bit of an episode together where I got really, really ill," he disclosed.
"I got an infection due to a genetic disease I've got, which led to sepsis and it ended up quite bad. I was in hospital and it was a close call; I could have died."
His ordeal started when he suffered excruciating back pain and dehydration, which he initially dismissed as flu-like symptoms, but his state quickly worsened, prompting his girlfriend to "save his life" by dialling emergency services.
Medical professionals warned that had he arrived at hospital merely 24 hours later, it might have been too late, with his kidneys and liver potentially beginning to shut down.
