Sam Vanderpump, a star of the reality show *Made In Chelsea*, and his new wife, Alice Yaxley, recently shared their wedding album following a heartfelt ceremony at Chelsea Registry Office. The couple’s nuptials occurred amidst significant health challenges for Sam, who has been diagnosed with irreversible end-stage liver disease.
In their first interview since the wedding, Sam, aged 28, revealed that he faced considerable emotional struggles leading up to their special day, largely due to his health condition. The couple’s decision to marry was both a celebration of their love and a response to the uncertainty surrounding Sam’s medical future. They are also expecting their first child, a son, due on February 14, 2026.
The wedding took place after a particularly challenging year for Sam, who experienced severe health issues, including flu that escalated into sepsis. This led to liver and kidney failure, culminating in the diagnosis of end-stage liver disease. Now on the transplant waiting list, he expressed a strong desire to marry while he was able.
Reflecting on the emotional weight of the past months, Sam told HELLO! Magazine, “I was struggling emotionally in the weeks leading up to the wedding because of everything going on with my health. But I have been so over the moon happy these past few days.”
The couple planned their wedding in just four weeks, opting for a low-key celebration with Alice wearing a white silk and lace gown and Sam donning a white jacket paired with black trousers. They chose not to include traditional elements like a first dance or lengthy speeches, instead holding a dinner at The Lanesborough following their vows.
Alice walked down the aisle with her father, Jason, and Sam admitted he felt a mix of nerves and emotions on their wedding day. “I was very nervous and very emotional,” he shared. “Alice looked absolutely stunning.”
Sam proposed to Alice in March following a hospitalization where he was informed of his critical health status. He candidly shared how he was initially diagnosed with congenital hepatic fibrosis and polycystic kidney disease, conditions that had remained dormant until his organs began to fail late last year.
In a recent episode of the *We Need To Talk* podcast, Sam recounted the moment he received the news about his need for a liver transplant. “I opened it up and it’s literally a four-line letter,” he recalled, describing the shock of learning he needed urgent medical intervention.
Despite his diagnosis, Sam remains optimistic about his future, especially with the arrival of their baby. He explained that the reality of his health issues has also intensified his fears about not being present for his child. “I always get sad when I think my dad’s never going to see his grandchild,” he noted, reflecting on the loss of his father seven years ago.
Sam has taken steps to raise awareness about liver disease and the importance of organ donation since announcing his diagnosis. He acknowledged the emotional toll of discussing his health in public, stating that the media attention has sometimes felt overwhelming.
“I decided to talk about this for these reasons… I went in with the best intentions, but the media storm we talked about earlier hit,” he explained. He expressed gratitude for the support of his aunt, Lisa Vanderpump, who has been a significant source of encouragement. “She was fantastic at empathizing with me, but she gave me the kick up the backside,” he said.
As the couple prepares for their growing family, they have already chosen a name for their son: Marmaduke. Sam shared that the name holds special significance as it was a name his father had once wished for his brother. “I think Marmaduke is fantastic, and we’ll call him Duke for short,” he said.
Reflecting on his journey, Sam concluded, “A liver transplant is extremely successful. I’m going to be here for my son. I know that.” As they navigate this challenging period, both Sam and Alice remain focused on their love and the joy of starting a family together.
