Former Made in Chelsea star-turned-content creator and presenter, Sam Thompson is known for his larger-than-life, creative and high-energy persona. He’s also known for his impulsiveness, for forgetting appointments and losing not only his car keys, but those of girlfriend Zara McDermott too…
For years, Sam has persistently been told he exhibits signs of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) – by Zara, his friends, his family and even his GP. But just because Sam displays signs of ADHD – is a diagnosis certain?
Last year, in advance of 30th birthday on the horizon, Sam made the decision to get tested for ADHD and explore what a possible diagnosis might mean for him. This new 1×60’
documentary, Sam Thompson: Is This ADHD? produced by South Shore, follows Sam as he finally addresses the theory.
With a potential diagnosis on his mind, Sam wants to know more about the condition and late diagnosis,howthisneurodivergencepresentsindifferentpeopleandifit affectsrelationships like his and Zara’s – and how medication might work. If Sam does have ADHD, is there a chance that medication could change the creativity he’s built his career around?
With years’ worth of questions swirling around in his creative brain, Sam is in pursuit of answers – meeting doctors and professionals but also others who have been diagnosed later in life, to find out how they navigate their own ADHD.
With exclusive access to Sam’s life over this unpredictable period, complete with self-shot video diaries, this documentary will show us a rawer side of Sam as his behaviour is placed under a microscope.
Speaking about the documentary, Sam Thompson said: “As someone who has worked in
television for nearly a decade, I’ve shared some of my most personal moments with the world. But nothing has come close to this. This documentary is the most vulnerable I’ve felt in front of the camera, as I wanted to be totally open about how I react to people in situations, and whether these could be linked to ADHD. It has been an incredible, and at times, scary experience, but by exploring what’s been going on inside my head, I hope people can see that we should be more understanding before judging others. I also want to encourage people to learn more about themselves, and be proud of everything that makes them unique.”
Commissioning Editor, Mel Bezalel said: “Sam has essentially grown up on E4. He was 21 when he first appeared in Made in Chelsea, and we all love his energy, warmth and the creative chaos he brings into any room. The film’s exclusive access to Sam’s life as well as his creative brain make this an insightful but also entertaining documentary – and unmistakably E4”.
Caroline Davies, Director of Programmes of South Shore said: “As awareness of ADHD
rockets on social media we’re really proud to be exploring the subject with Sam; whilst also giving the E4 audience a new perspective on his life in Chelsea.”
Sam Thompson: Is This ADHD? is produced by South Shore. It is executive produced by Mel Leach and Caroline Davies; directed by Sophie Wright.
It was commissioned for E4 by Commissioning Editor Mel Bezalel.
Sam Thompson: Is This ADHD? is expected to air on E4 soon.
