Pete Wicks and Louise Thompson didn’t hold back as they publicly mocked Sam Thompson’s ex-girlfriend Zara McDermott during his ongoing grueling charity trek for UNICEF.
As Sam battles through a 260-mile endurance journey — mixing running and cycling — to reach Old Trafford by June 15, his inner circle showed their support… with a sharp sense of humour. Pete, long-time friend and fellow reality star, was seen holding a sign that cheekily read “You caaaaaan” – a clear jab at Zara’s emotional moment on Made in Chelsea when she tearfully pleaded with Sam after her cheating scandal.
With a cigarette dangling from his lips, Pete shouted the line, posting it to Instagram with the caption: “Pete pulled through with the best motivation. Sam was a big fan. Drop in the comments which sign is your favourite?”
Sam, visibly limping from a calf injury, was overcome with emotion upon seeing Pete. The two embraced in a heartwarming clip shared on their Staying Relevant page, where Pete told him: “You all right? Come here. It’s alright.” Sam, clearly touched, replied: “I didn’t know you were coming.” Pete reassured him: “Do you think I’d miss this? I’m so proud of you. You’re smashing it.”
In a tearful moment, Sam admitted: “I don’t think I’m smashing it,” to which Pete insisted: “You are. You’re the guy before, you’re the guy now, and you’ll be the guy when you finish.”
Sam’s sister Louise Thompson also couldn’t resist a jab. She took to TikTok and Instagram using the viral “You can” sound — the same line from Zara’s infamous breakdown — drawing cheeky laughter from fans. One follower commented: “Ohhhh Zara is not going to be pleased about this one.” Another added: “SHADE of the highest degree.”
Sam and Zara called it quits in December after five years together. Zara has since moved on and is reportedly dating former One Direction star Louis Tomlinson.
Reflecting on the split, Pete told The Mirror: “Part of being someone’s friend is saying, ‘Things will get better’ — and they have.” He added that Sam has found a new level of confidence and self-worth post-breakup: “He’s amazing, and he deserves the best.”
“Sam’s my little finger! He’s unapologetically himself. He still rings me 15 times a day to chat. He’ll have a heart attack when he finds out I’ve said that,” Pete laughed.
