They may spend most of their time making each other laugh on podcasts and panels, but this month Sam Thompson, Pete Wicks and GK Barry will swap banter for bravery as they take on hosting duties for the Pride of Britain Awards.
Thompson and Wicks did the honours last year, while Barry served as one of the ceremony’s judges. This year marks the first time the trio will host together — joined by social-media sensations LadBaby.
Between them, the team have amassed more than 12 million followers, but for all their online fame, this is one night where the focus shifts to real-life heroes.
“It’s genuinely such an honour and one of my favourite events each year,” Barry told the Standard. “Being on the carpet alongside such incredible humans is so inspiring, and I absolutely love getting to speak to all of the winners and nominees. And also, who doesn’t love getting dressed up and having a prosecco at the same time?”
Known for her sharp humour and unfiltered honesty, Barry has spent the past year adding author and TV host to her CV.
Thompson and Wicks have long been known as one of reality TV’s most unlikely double acts — the child-like ball of energy and the no-nonsense straight-talker turned podcast partners and best friends. And while Barry may be the rose between two thorns, she has an idea of what she’s letting herself in for — having already teamed with Thompson on ITV’s upcoming hidden-camera show Celebrity Sabotage, co-hosted with Joel Dommett and Judi Love.
“We had such a laugh filming,” she says. “The show really is iconic — full of laughs, drama, and even a few emotional moments. Also, I was dressed as a bush for a lot of it, which was very humbling,” she jokes.
For Wicks, this year has also been about empathy and emotion. Earlier in 2025 he fronted the Dogs Trust series Pete Wicks: For Dogs’ Sake, spending time with rescue animals and the people who care for them — an experience that deepened his admiration for everyday compassion.
Wicks also joined the judging panel for this year’s Pride of Britain, an experience he describes as both uplifting and impossible. “We met the most wonderful little girl, Florrie Bark, who won the Child of Courage Award in 2024,” he recalls. “She’s so funny and brave — both Sam and I think she’s amazing. We even invited her onto our podcast Staying Relevant to co-host an episode. We can’t wait to see her again this year.”
Their podcast Staying Relevant has become a phenomenon, charting their friendship and the absurdities of fame with a mix of humour and heart that has won them a devoted fanbase. They’re now gearing up to release a book of the same name, due out November 9.
That same sense of camaraderie and emotion runs through their Pride of Britain hosting. The night sees celebrities and everyday heroes share the same stage — a rare moment of unity that feels especially powerful in turbulent times.
“It’s all about the winners — the real heroes,” says Thompson. “To hear their stories and messages of hope always brings tears to our eyes. It’s truly an honour to present the red carpet and meet them in person.”
Wicks agrees. “It’s the one night of the year where fame genuinely doesn’t matter. Everyone’s there for the right reasons — to celebrate people who’ve done extraordinary things without ever asking for recognition.”
Barry adds: “Life is hard for so many people, and there’s a lot happening in the world right now. It’s so special to be able to dedicate an evening to celebrating the good that surrounds us too.”
Pride of Britain takes place on Monday, October 20, with highlights to be broadcast on ITV. The event is organised by the Daily Mirror in partnership with P&O Cruises.
