The British entertainment world recently witnessed a massive shift in the personal life of reality TV legend Sam Thompson’s Girlfriend. After his high-profile and long-term relationship with Zara McDermott ended, fans wondered who would eventually capture the heart of the “I’m a Celebrity” winner. In late 2025 and moving into 2026, the answer became clear as Sam officially introduced his new girlfriend, Talitha Balinska. This article provides the most comprehensive look at their blossoming romance, Talitha’s impressive career, and how Sam manages his new life in the public eye. Who Is Talitha Balinska? Meet the Woman Capturing Sam’s Heart Talitha Balinska stands out as a multifaceted talent in the London creative scene. While many people recognize her through her connection to Sam, she possesses a formidable reputation in her own right. She works primarily as a professional DJ, music producer, and high-fashion model. Talitha hails from a family with deep roots in the entertainment industry, which likely prepared her for the spotlight. A Career in Music and Fashion Talitha graduated from the University of Bristol in 2023 and immediately began making waves in the electronic music community. She performs under her own name at various London clubs and high-end events, showcasing a deep passion for house and techno music. Beyond the DJ booth, she produces her own tracks and collaborates with other rising artists in the UK scene. Her model career also flourishes simultaneously, as she holds a contract with the prestigious Premier Model Management. Famous Family Connections The Balinska name carries significant weight in Hollywood and the fashion world. Talitha is the younger sister of Ella Balinska, the acclaimed actress known for her roles in Charlie’s Angels and the Resident Evil series. Their mother, Lorraine Pascale, also enjoyed a successful career as a top model before becoming a world-renowned television chef. Growing up in such a creative environment clearly influenced Talitha’s drive to succeed in multiple artistic fields. The Romantic Timeline: How Sam and Talitha Met The story of Sam and Talitha actually begins much earlier than the public initially realized. They first crossed paths in October 2023 during a commercial photoshoot for Sam’s own brand, Dinelli Eyewear. Talitha served as one of the lead models for the campaign, and the two reportedly got along famously on set. However, Sam remained in a committed relationship with Zara McDermott at that time, so their initial interaction stayed strictly professional. Rekindling the Spark in 2025 Following Sam’s difficult breakup at the start of 2025, he focused heavily on his career and mental health. Fate intervened when Talitha appeared as a surprise guest during one of Sam’s live podcast shows at the O2 Arena. Their mutual friend and Sam’s business partner, Reza Amiri-Garroussi, reportedly encouraged the two to reconnect. By mid-2025, Sam and Talitha began spending significant time together away from the prying eyes of the paparazzi. Making It Official Sam eventually confirmed the relationship during an emotional episode of the Staying Relevant podcast with his best friend Pete Wicks. He excitedly told listeners that he was finally “off the market” and felt happier than ever before. The couple chose to keep things low-key for several months to protect their privacy. They finally became “Instagram official” in December 2025, just before the New Year celebrations began. Moving on From Zara McDermott: A New Chapter for Sam The end of Sam’s five-year relationship with Zara McDermott shocked many fans in late 2024. They built a home together and shared two beloved cats, making the split feel permanent and significant. Sam candidly admitted that the breakup hit him hard and led him to seek professional therapy. He realized that the pressures of a public relationship had taken a toll on his mental wellbeing. The Decision to Prioritize Privacy In 2026, Sam approaches his romantic life with a vastly different strategy. He previously shared every detail of his life with Zara on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. With Talitha, he consciously chooses to keep the most intimate moments behind closed doors. He recently explained that he wants to protect the “legs” of the relationship by not overexposing it to public scrutiny. Zara McDermott’s Own New Path While Sam found happiness with Talitha, Zara McDermott also moved on to a high-profile new romance. As of early 2026, Zara remains in a relationship with former One Direction singer Louis Tomlinson. The two were first spotted together at Glastonbury in 2025 and have since become a stable pair. Both Sam and Zara seem to have found partners who better suit their current lifestyles and career goals. Sam Thompson’s Career Growth and Success in 2026 Sam’s professional life reached new heights following his victory on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!. In 2026, he remained one of the most in-demand presenters on British television and radio. He currently hosts a major Saturday morning show on Hits Radio, where his energetic personality draws in massive listener numbers. Expanding the Podcast Empire The Staying Relevant podcast continues to dominate the charts, with Sam and Pete Wicks frequently performing live shows across the country. Their chemistry provides a relatable look at the world of “celebrity” and influencer culture. Fans appreciate Sam’s transparency about his ADHD diagnosis and his journey toward better self-understanding. New Television Projects In late 2025, Sam appeared in a high-profile Gladiators Christmas special, showcasing his athletic side. He also continues to work with various brands and charity organizations, including UNICEF. His “Match Ball Relay” for Soccer Aid in 2025 raised millions of pounds, further cementing his status as a national treasure. Why Fans Love Sam and Talitha Together Supporters of the couple often point to their relaxed and genuine dynamic as the reason for their popularity. Talitha’s cool, artistic vibe seems to provide a perfect balance to Sam’s high-energy and sometimes chaotic persona. She brings a sense of calm and stability to his life that he openly appreciates. Shared Interests and Values The couple shares a deep love for music, fashion, and creative expression. They often attend London’s best underground music events together, where Talitha frequently performs. Unlike previous relationships that played out like reality TV storylines, this pair feels like a natural match found in the real world. Support from Friends and Family Sam’s sister, Louise Thompson, reportedly approves of the new relationship and has been seen spending time with the couple. Pete Wicks, Sam’s closest confidant, also gives Talitha his seal of approval, which means a lot to Sam. This support system provides the foundation for a relationship that many believe will go the distance. A Bright Future for “El Matador” and Talitha Ilia Topuria (often nicknamed “El Matador” by fans) and Sam Thompson both exemplify the power of a fresh start in 2026. While Sam navigates the complexities of a new romance with Talitha Balinska, he does so with a renewed sense of purpose and self-awareness. Talitha brings a unique blend of talent and grace to Sam’s world, creating a partnership that fans find incredibly refreshing. As the year progresses, many expect to see more of Talitha’s music career taking off alongside Sam’s continued television dominance. The couple represents a modern, more private version of the British “power couple.” By choosing to focus on their connection rather than the cameras, they are building something that appears designed to last. Whether they are at a music festival or relaxing at home, Sam and Talitha seem to have found the perfect rhythm together. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Sam Thompson’s Girlfriend 1. Who is Sam Thompson dating in 2026? Sam Thompson is currently dating Talitha Balinska, a London-based DJ, music producer, and professional model. They officially went public with their relationship in December 2025. 2. How did Sam Thompson and Talitha Balinska meet? The couple first met in October 2023 during a photoshoot for Sam’s eyewear brand, Dinelli. They reconnected in 2025 after Sam’s breakup and began dating shortly after. 3. Is Talitha Balinska related to anyone famous? Yes, Talitha is the younger sister of Hollywood actress Ella Balinska. Her mother is the famous chef and former model Lorraine Pascale. 4. Why did Sam Thompson and Zara McDermott break up? Sam and Zara officially split at the end of 2024 after five years together. They cited growing apart and prioritizing their individual careers as the primary reasons for the decision. 5. Does Talitha Balinska have a job in the entertainment industry? Talitha works as a professional DJ and producer in the electronic music scene. She also models for major agencies and has appeared in various high-fashion campaigns. 6. Are Sam Thompson and Talitha Balinska engaged? As of early 2026, the couple is not engaged. They are enjoying their time together and Sam has expressed a desire to move slowly after his previous long-term relationship. 7. Does Sam Thompson share his new relationship on social media? Sam shares occasional photos and videos with Talitha but keeps the relationship much more private than his previous ones. He wants to avoid the “curse” of oversharing on platforms like Instagram. 8. Who is Zara McDermott dating now? Zara McDermott is currently dating singer-songwriter Louis Tomlinson, formerly of the band One Direction. They have been together since mid-2025. 9. What happened to Sam and Zara’s house and cats? Sam Thompson’s Girlfriend and Zara sold their shared home following the breakup. Sam currently shares custody of their two cats, Albus and Cedric, with Zara. 10. What is Sam Thompson’s Girlfriend main job in 2026? Sam Thompson’s Girlfriend hosts a Saturday morning show on Hits Radio and co-hosts the popular Staying Relevant podcast. He also appears as a regular presenter on various ITV and BBC television programs. 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