Made In Chelsea star Sam Vanderpump and his wife Alice Yaxley stepped out for a rare date night at a special performance of The Hunger Games: On Stage in London’s Canary Wharf. The outing comes just one month after the couple welcomed their son, Marmaduke.
The pair, who married shortly before Christmas amid Sam’s end-stage liver disease diagnosis, coordinated in sleek all-black outfits. Sam, 29, layered a sporty jacket over a shirt and smart trousers, while Alice, 24, turned heads in a cropped trench coat paired with pedal pushers and pointed heels. The event marked the 14th anniversary of the Hunger Games movie’s UK cinema release at a purpose-built theater.
Family Milestones Amid Health Battle
Alice gave birth to Marmaduke on February 9 at the Kensington Wing of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. Their December wedding followed a harrowing period for Sam, who fell seriously ill with flu in late 2024. The illness led to sepsis, liver failure, and kidney failure.
Doctors later confirmed Sam’s irreversible end-stage liver disease, placing him on the liver transplant waiting list. Despite the challenges, the couple prioritized their commitment, arranging a low-key wedding in just four weeks, complete with a dinner at The Lanesborough. They skipped traditions like a first dance and lengthy speeches, selecting Alice’s dress together.
In a recent interview, Sam opened up about the emotional toll: “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.”
Sam’s Lifelong Health Struggles
Sam proposed to Alice in March, months after a January hospitalization for life-threatening sepsis stemming from liver and kidney failure. He was born with congenital hepatic fibrosis of the liver and polycystic kidney disease, conditions that remained dormant until last December when his organs began failing.
On the We Need To Talk podcast with Paul C Brunson, Sam shared his fears: “I always get sad when I think my dad’s never going to see his grandchild. To now start having that thing dawn on you. Am I going to see my child? That’s terrifying.” His father passed away seven years ago, heightening the star’s concerns about not meeting his son.
Star-Studded Attendance
The performance drew other celebrities, including The Traitors winners Rachel Duffy and Stephen Libby. Rachel opted for a chic plaid co-ord with a YSL clutch. Pregnant Laura Whitmore concealed her bump under a bold tiger-print shirt and stylish shades.
EastEnders’ Charlie Brooks bundled up in a long wool coat, while Dancing On Ice‘s Vanessa Bauer showed off her legs in a white mini dress layered with a leather motorcycle jacket, tights, and knee-high boots. Sinitta flashed her toned midriff, and TV presenter Martin Lewis went casual in a jacket and jeans.
