21 January 2024 , 09:33
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Sam Thompson has admitted that despite plenty of wedding chat, he is in "no rush" to marry girlfriend Zara McDermott.
I'm A Celebrity's King of the Jungle, Sam, and former Love Islander, Zara, have been dating since 2019. After a brief split a year later following Zara's cheating admission, the couple's relationship has gone from strength to strength.
With no nuptials on the horizon, however, 31-year old Sam recently splashed the cash on an expensive Cartier ring. The recipient wasn't Zara, 27, though, but in fact Sam's close pal and confidant, Pete Wicks, who travelled to Australia to support him during his time in the jungle.
Sam has splashed out on a Cartier ring for his pal Pete Wicks (Jed Cullen/Dave Benett/Getty Images)
Sam's gift was a 'thank you' to Pete for supporting him in Australia en route to his I'm A Celebrity win (Tim Merry/Mirror Express)Acknowledging 36-year old Pete's friendship, Sam told the Sun: "I bought Pete a Cartier ring, because he's just done so much for me." Of Zara, however, he confessed: "I'm so happy being with the person I know I'm going to spend the rest of my life with, I don't see any sort of rush at all."
Sam continued: "We speak about marriage a lot, but there's no pressure to put a ring on it." After her time on Strictly Come Dancing came to a premature end in October, Zara was unexpectedly available to join Sam Down Under too. However, after chatting to her beau, she was told he was more than happy with just ex-TOWIE star Pete making the long-haul flight with him.
Pete Wicks 'quit TOWIE over fame hungry co-stars' who were relieved when he left
Zara explained to Fleur East's Hits Radio Breakfast Show: "When I left Strictly I was like 'Shall I pack my case?' and he went 'Oh no it's already been arranged Pete is coming'." She continued: "When I suggested maybe Pete and I could both go, he said, 'No, just Pete!' Maybe I can get Pete to take a cardboard cut-out of me …
"But you know what it's fine, absolutely fine. I've got all the time in the world to live with him and see him. If he wants Pete at the end of that bridge I respect and appreciate that - also I can't wait to see that hug."
Sam and Zara hooked up in 2019 (INSTAGRAM)Earlier this month, meanwhile, it was revealed Sam and Pete are set to take over a huge role from Roman Kemp at this year’s National Television Awards. Taking place later this year on September 11 at London’s O2 arena, Sam and Pete will host all the official NTA content for its social channels, as well showing viewers secret behind-the-scenes footage from the night, which will be posted on the NTA’s YouTube channel.
NTA ticket holders will also be able to watch Sam and Pete interview celebs via a livestream in the auditorium at the O2. Speaking of his pride at landing the gig, Sam said: "It's an absolute honour to have been asked to be the official Red Carpet hosts for the NTAs and there's no one I'd rather do it with than my best friend Pete. I'll definitely be grabbing Ant & Dec for a chat!"
And Pete added: "From fighting our way into boxes full of celebs at the NTAs for the past decade, to being the official Red Carpet hosts - things are looking up! But on a serious note we're thrilled to have been asked and know it's going to be a great night."