Why Did This Morning's Presenter Shake After a Dressing Down from ITV's Boss?

Sam Thompson, the reality star known for his victory on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, has shared insights into his role on This Morning, where he offers celebrity commentary every Thursday. During a recent podcast, he discussed receiving constructive feedback from This Morning's editor, highlighting the importance of growth and improvement in his new position.

Last updated: 14 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Sam Thompson's position on This Morning is becoming more established as he navigates his role in the competitive environment of daytime television. His recent discussions about feedback illustrate the ongoing evolution of his contributions to the show, reflecting a commitment to improving his performance as a celebrity commentator.

Key takeaways

• Sam Thompson is receiving constructive feedback from This Morning's editor.
• The feedback aims to enhance Thompson's performance on the show.
• Thompson appreciates the guidance and is eager to implement improvements.

Timeline: how we got here

Thompson's journey on This Morning is relatively recent. After winning I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! in 2022, his popularity surged, leading to his role on This Morning in early 2023. The following feedback sessions with the show's editor began soon after, marking a new chapter in his television career.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Recently, Thompson revealed the nature of his feedback sessions with This Morning's editor, Vivek Sharma. His openness about the experience sheds light on the behind-the-scenes processes that contribute to his on-screen performance.

What was already established

Thompson's role as a celebrity commentator on This Morning was solidified following his I’m A Celebrity victory. His charm and insight into celebrity culture have made him a popular addition to the show, but the necessity for ongoing improvement highlights the competitive nature of television presenting.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

Thompson's insights into celebrity culture resonate with viewers, offering a blend of entertainment and informative commentary that appeals to a wide audience. His presence on This Morning contributes to the show's format, which seeks to blend news, entertainment, and lifestyle content.

Businesses and jobs

As a rising star in television, Thompson's role impacts not just his career but the broader entertainment industry, highlighting how reality TV stars can transition into more traditional media roles, influencing hiring trends in broadcasting.

Policy and regulation

While Thompson's role does not directly intersect with policy-making, the success of reality television stars in mainstream media continues to raise discussions about the standards and practices in the industry, including the expectations placed on presenters.

Numbers that matter

• 1: The number of main roles Thompson has transitioned into since his I’m A Celebrity win.
• 30 minutes: The duration of the feedback session with This Morning's editor.
• 10am: The time This Morning airs on weekdays on ITV.

Definitions and jargon buster

• This Morning: A British daytime television programme that features news, interviews, and celebrity gossip.
• Segue: A smooth transition from one topic or segment to another, often used in broadcasting.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Thompson is expected to continue refining his presenting style on This Morning, implementing suggestions from his feedback sessions to enhance viewer engagement.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As he focuses on improving his skills, Thompson may take on more prominent segments or special features on This Morning, potentially leading to increased opportunities within the ITV network.

Signals to watch

• The frequency and nature of Thompson's segments on This Morning.
• Viewer feedback and ratings for episodes featuring Thompson.

Practical guidance

Do

• Pay attention to viewer feedback and adapt accordingly.
• Utilise constructive criticism to improve performance.

Don’t

• Ignore valuable feedback from producers and editors.
• Become complacent in the role; always seek to grow.

Checklist

• Review performance regularly based on feedback.
• Engage with audience responses and adjust content accordingly.
• Prepare thoroughly for each segment.
• Seek mentorship from experienced colleagues.
• Stay updated on celebrity news and trends.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Thompson's journey is promising, the competitive nature of television means that his success is not guaranteed. Audience preferences can shift rapidly, and maintaining relevance requires constant adaptation and effort. Additionally, changes in the show's format or personnel could impact his role.

Bottom line

Sam Thompson's experience on This Morning highlights the importance of feedback in developing a successful television career. As he implements constructive criticism, he not only refines his own skills but also enhances the show's dynamic, creating a more engaging viewer experience.

FAQs

What role does Sam Thompson have on This Morning?

Sam Thompson is a celebrity commentator on This Morning, providing weekly insights into celebrity culture.

Who gave Sam Thompson feedback on his performance?

The feedback was given by Vivek Sharma, the editor of This Morning, who discussed areas for improvement with Thompson.

What time does This Morning air on ITV?

This Morning airs on weekdays at 10am on ITV.