Sam and Alice Vanderpump open up about life-saving organ transplant wait in exclusive new documentary for E4

Made in Chelsea: Sam Vanderpump’s Story is a moving two‑part documentary for E4 that follows Sam and Alice Vanderpump’s lives as they face the brutal reality of living with Sam’s life‑threatening disease.

Produced by UTAS UK Productions, a division of Universal Studio Group, the documentary traces Sam’s health since his near-death experience through to today, as he waits for a life-saving liver transplant and navigates life as a dad-to-be. 

In 2024, Sam Vanderpump survived a near-fatal Sepsis infection caused by a rare genetic condition he was born with. Recovery was challenging but Sam got through it with Alice by his side. 

Last year brought the toughest setback. Sam received the distressing news that he will require a liver transplant in order to stay alive. The diagnosis of end-stage liver disease reshaped everything he and Alice thought they knew about their future, which brought a sense of urgency and clarity for the young couple.

The couple refuse to stop living and documentary cameras capture Sam and Alice’s most intimate milestones – their wedding, the arrival of their baby boy, and the unwavering support of Sam’s mum and aunt, Lisa Vanderpump, as well as their tight-knit Chelsea circle.

Made in Chelsea: Sam Vanderpump’s Story also documents the start of Sam’s wait for a transplant, seeking consultation from the experts at King’s College Hospital, and gaining greater insight into the reality of waiting lists in the UK today. 

Clemency Green, Senior Commissioning Editor for Channel 4, said: “We hope this documentary sheds some light on the heartbreaking journey people often face as they wait for a donor. It is a privilege that Sam will allow our viewers to follow his own experience with the process, as well as his and Alice’s most special moments. This documentary isn’t just for fans of Made in Chelsea, this is an insight into the joy and hope that can live alongside the painful realities of living life with an end-stage disease.”

Helen Kruger Bratt, Managing Director of UTAS UK Productions, added: "Sam and Alice have allowed us into an incredibly personal chapter of their lives with honesty, courage and real generosity. This documentary will help shine a light on the realities of organ donation and the experiences of those living on the donor list. We’re incredibly proud that Sam trusted us with his story and to be partnering with Channel 4 to tell it."

Made in Chelsea: Sam Vanderpump’s Story (2x60’) is commissioned by Clemency Green, Senior Commissioning Editor at Channel 4, and will be distributed internationally by NBCUniversal Global TV Distribution. For UTAS UK Productions, Leonie Joss serves as executive producer. Watch this Spring on E4.