Sam Vanderpump, a star of *Made In Chelsea*, and his wife, Alice Yaxley, have shared intimate details from their recent wedding, reflecting on the emotional challenges leading up to their big day. The couple tied the knot in a small ceremony at the Chelsea Registry Office earlier this month, marking a significant moment in their lives as they prepare to welcome their first child together.
Sam, 28, openly discussed his emotional struggles following a diagnosis of irreversible end-stage liver disease. He revealed during an interview with *HELLO! Magazine* that the toll of his health issues weighed heavily on him as they prepared for their wedding. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his condition, he expressed joy in celebrating their love before the arrival of their son, who is due on February 14, 2026.
In late 2024, Sam faced a health crisis after becoming seriously ill with flu, which escalated to sepsis and ultimately led to liver and kidney failure. Following this, he was placed on the transplant waiting list, which added a layer of urgency to their wedding plans. The couple decided to marry while Sam was still well enough, prioritizing their relationship amidst the challenges.
Sam reflected on the emotional strain he felt leading up to the wedding. “I was struggling emotionally in the weeks leading up to the wedding because of everything going on with my health,” he told *HELLO!*. “But I have been so over the moon happy these past few days.”
The wedding was planned within a short timeframe of four weeks and featured a simple dinner reception at The Lanesborough. The couple chose to forego traditional elements such as a first dance and lengthy speeches, opting instead for a relaxed atmosphere. Alice walked down the aisle in a white silk and lace gown, while Sam wore a white jacket paired with black trousers. “I was very nervous and very emotional,” he admitted. “Alice looked absolutely stunning.”
The couple’s journey to this moment has not been without its challenges. Sam proposed to Alice in March, shortly after he was hospitalized due to his serious health complications. His diagnosis of irreversible end-stage liver disease limits his life expectancy to four to five years without a transplant, a reality he first disclosed on *Made In Chelsea*.
In an episode of the *We Need To Talk* podcast, Sam shared the terrifying moment he learned he would need a liver transplant. He recalled receiving a notification from King’s College Hospital that indicated the severity of his condition. “That was… receiving that I think your heart stops, your tummy drops,” he said. The diagnosis has since motivated him to raise awareness about organ donation and the hidden signs of sepsis.
He expressed deep concerns about his future, particularly as he thinks about his unborn child. “I always get sad when I think my dad’s never going to see his grandchild,” Sam noted, referring to his father, who passed away seven years ago. “To now start having that thing dawned on you. Am I going to see my child? That’s terrifying.”
Since speaking publicly about his health, Sam has encountered a mix of support and media scrutiny. He described how the overwhelming attention triggered emotional breakdowns, despite his initial intention to raise awareness. “I think it was a couple of weeks ago. I decided to talk about this for these reasons. I went, I’m gonna do my thing and raise awareness. It’s just what you should do,” he explained.
Sam’s aunt, Lisa Vanderpump, known for her reality television fame, has played a crucial role in supporting him during this challenging time. He recounted conversations with her that helped him regain focus on what truly matters—being there for Alice and their future son. “She was fantastic at empathising with me, but she gave me the kick up the backside,” he said.
As the couple prepares to welcome their child, they have also chosen a name that holds significance for Sam’s family. They plan to name their son Marmaduke, a name deeply rooted in family history. Sam shared the story behind the name, connecting it to his father’s aspirations for his own children.
Sam’s health struggles have led him to advocate for organ donation, hoping to encourage others to sign up and potentially save lives. He aims to shed light on the seriousness of his condition while maintaining a hopeful outlook for the future. “A liver transplant is extremely successful. So I’m going to be here for my son. I know that,” he stated confidently.
In reflecting on their wedding day and the journey leading to it, Sam and Alice embraced the joy of their union while acknowledging the challenges ahead. Their story serves as a poignant reminder of love’s resilience in the face of adversity.
