In late November 2023, around the campfire on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, Sam Thompson talked to campmates Josie Gibson and Marvin Humes about his ADHD. The Made in Chelsea star, who went on to win the series, spoke plainly about school, relationships and wanting to be a dad one day. For a lot of viewers, it was the first time they had heard an adult describe ADHD in such an ordinary, relatable way.
An adult diagnosis
Sam’s diagnosis came as an adult. Earlier in 2023 he made an E4 documentary, Sam Thompson: Is This ADHD?, which followed him as he explored whether he had ADHD. On the show he told campmates that he is “not ashamed of having ADHD in any way”, according to PA’s report of the episode.
What school reports can tell us
Sam described how nobody picked up on his ADHD at school, even though his reports kept saying the same thing: “Likeable enough guy, but lacks focus.” He said he thought he would have felt better about himself growing up if he had known earlier.
That will sound familiar to many adults diagnosed later in life. The signs were there, but they were read as personality, laziness or lack of effort. Our article on adult neurodivergent diagnosis looks at what that late recognition can feel like.
ADHD and relationships
Sam was honest about how ADHD shows up at home. He said his timekeeping is terrible and that he can come across as self-centred, and he described his partner Zara McDermott as “so steady”. It’s a useful reminder that ADHD affects everyday things like time, attention and emotions, and that understanding from the people around you makes a real difference.
Thinking about fatherhood
Sam also said he wants to be a dad and knows ADHD is something he needs to “get a handle on” first. Marvin, a father himself, encouraged him. Josie and Marvin also told him he would not be Sam without it, which is about as good a description of the neurodiversity paradigm as you’ll hear on prime time TV.
Why late diagnosis is so common
For years ADHD was seen as something that affected young boys and disappeared in adulthood. Adults, and women in particular, were often missed. Many found ways to cope, or had their ADHD put down to anxiety or low mood. The NHS guide to ADHD in adults explains how adult assessment works.
Demand for assessments has grown a lot since then. We explain why that reflects better awareness rather than a trend in our piece on the rise in ADHD diagnoses.
What it means for workplaces
Many employees with ADHD will be undiagnosed, newly diagnosed or still working out what it means for them. Some will be on a waiting list for years. Good managers don’t wait for a diagnosis before making work easier: clear priorities, written follow-ups, flexible deadlines where possible and regular check-ins help everyone. Our page on ADHD in the workplace sets out practical adjustments, and our article on the ADHD burnout cycle explains what happens when people mask for too long.
How Enna can help
If Sam’s story made you think about the people in your own team, our Neurodiversity Awareness for Managers workshop helps managers recognise ADHD traits and respond in ways that work. For a broader view of where your organisation stands, try our neuroinclusion maturity assessment.
Recently diagnosed and wondering if your job is the right fit? Our jobs board lists roles with employers who understand ADHD.
