Staying Relevant: The Book - the uproarious Sunday Times bestseller and a perfect gift for fans of Pete and Sam

by Sam Thompson, Pete Wicks

Welcome to Staying Relevant, a book written by two best friends . . . contains swearing, adult themes and outrageous stories from life in the spotlight.

In their first book together, Sam and Pete lay out what it truly takes to stay in the spotlight. A celebration of their unlikely friendship, the book features brand new, insane stories from their lives, behind the scenes, never-before-told tales from the jungle and the ballroom, hosting the NTAs red carpet, their journey creating the podcast, and plenty more. Expect swearing, heaps of positivity from Sam and, of course, zero sarcasm from Pete.

Genres: Audiobook, Nonfiction

Audible Audio

Published November 6, 2025

Reviews

[Rebecca Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5🌟 I just love them x

[Katie St.Clair · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did I enjoy it? Yes. Would I recommend it to anyone? No.

[Amelia Christopher🩵 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious. I love this pair so much. I didn’t know what to expect from this book, but I had all the feels. Such a good book to start the year off!

[janinereadsandreviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exactly what i needed as a fan of the podcast.Funny, honest and totally chaotic in the very best way. Unmistakably Pete and Sam!

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything I love about the podcast and this wonderful friendship in book form. The audiobook was a joy to listen to.

[Jessica Purdy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Funny in parts, but repetitive and a bit self-indulgent by the end.

[Georgina Power · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Everyone’s winging it, some just fake it better”

What a ride this audiobook was! Honestly, it felt like the longest (and best) podcast episode ever, and I absolutely loved every minute of it. To be fair, I might be a little biased — I’m a regular listener and a big fan of Pete Wicks — but even if you’d never heard their podcast before, this would still hit perfectly.

Hearing Sam use the C-word was absolutely shocking (and hilarious). I loved that they actually broke narration to comment on it — so typically them! The chemistry, the banter, the way they imitate each other — it’s pure entertainment. I was cackling when Pete tried to do his “posh” voice; he really does sound like Stewie!

Beyond the laughs though, there’s a real depth here. Hearing both of their journeys — how they built their platforms, what fame’s really been like — it’s surprisingly moving. Pete’s honesty and humility shine through; I adore how genuine he comes across. He doesn’t want freebies, he wants to pay his way, and that’s rare in their world. It’s sad, though, how fame’s taken away his privacy. You can feel how much he craves normality — the ability to have a quiet relationship and a family life without the constant spotlight.

And then… that I’m A Celeb jungle moment. When Pete saw Sam again — oh my god, I didn’t expect to get emotional, but I was genuinely choked up. I’m so glad they broke it with a laugh, because otherwise I might’ve properly cried.

I also loved the little sections dedicated to their other best friends — it made everything feel so real and grounded. The bit about Vicky was beautiful; I can absolutely picture her tearing up when she hears Pete’s words. It’s just so nice to see genuine friendships, proof that men and women can be close without it being anything else.

This audiobook made me laugh out loud, tear up, and genuinely feel inspired. It’s proof that success isn’t luck — it’s work, loyalty, and surrounding yourself with the right people. Their friendship is the kind we need more examples of — open, supportive, honest, and unafraid to show emotion.

A beautiful bromance, full of heart, humour, and the reminder that the best friendships aren’t the loudest or the flashiest — they’re the ones that last through everything.

[♡° Jade (The Bookaholic) °♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A really funny book that matches perfectly with their podcast.

A lot of friendly banter and comedy name calling, but despite that you get a real sense of love and friendship between Sam and Pete and an insight into their lives being in showbiz and in the limelight.

I listened to the audiobook and read the book at the same time. I highly recommend this style of reading for this one!

[Scott Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this duo and their podcast. The book is absolutely brilliant.

The only two things I will say is that it is geared a lot toward Relevanters so may put some newer fans off and the audio book makes Sam & Pete's whole dynamic seem a bit more forced than the podcast does.

Great to hear from Pippa, Josh and Ted.

[Luce · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not sure who exactly this book is for as I didn’t learn anything new about Sam and Pete that I didn’t already know from the podcast, and from Strictly/the jungle… it’s a fine listen but it’s nothing special

Still not convinced by podcast books by 2 people either

[Kerrie Ashall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely not the sort of book I normally read, but I adore these two and knew I’d love reading this book. Having listened to the pod since day 1 I did feel I knew a lot of what was in the book already, but it was still a super fun read.

[Megan Shanahan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this because I’m such a big fan of the podcast.

Would I recommend to anyone else going in without being a Staying Relevant fan? Absolutely not.

It’s chaotic in the best way and I would say the main downfall is the content was repetitive.

[Tia Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audio book version rather than reading it. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this I can’t imagine how it would translate on paper. Really fun and easy to listen to. If you’re a fan of either of the guys or the podcast I do recommend it!

[Erica Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and Enlightening.
I couldn’t put this book down, you can really see by their relationship how they always create something magical.
Even if you aren’t a fan of the Staying Relevant podcast, this is well worth the read

[Lucy Beckett · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you want to read how Sam and Pete met each other and what they think of each other over and over again this is a book for you. Not much fun stuff, a bit too deep and emotional. I really enjoy their podcasts so thought it would be along those lines but no.

[Caroline Norton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew I would love this book and it didn’t disappoint. The book reaffirms what we already knew, they are both 100% genuine and true to themselves, no showbiz personas, just 2 best friends who love each other and what they stand for unconditionally

[Cristina Testa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a big fan of Sam and Pete and I treated this book like sitting with them listening to them on the podcast.I really enjoyed it 😊 easy to read. Clear chapter titles and parts. Funny avatars of them in it too.

[Tia Eeley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great audiobook!

[Swee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very enjoyable read. Love how Sam and Pete involved those who are closest to them in the book too. Great lads

[Emma Boyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Sam and Pete, love their podcast, the live show & it was interesting but it obviously doesn't transfer the same, I know it was supposed to be funny but also wish there was more as I am nosey

[Jessica Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars. Kind of just a book of stories from their lives and just more formal version of their podcast because I listened to the audio book, i enjoyed it.

[Kat ✧ ☾ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the dynamic of Pete and Sams friendship, they are both total opposites of each other and care about each other so much. It felt like listening to two friends talking on the phone.

[Amy Doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it, captures both their personalities just like the Podcast!

[Alanna Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolutely hilarious

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I laughed out loud a few times. The book is written like a podcast.

[Amy Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely love them!

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

A perfect one for audiobook. Funny, authentic heartwarming and sweary (the book and its authors).

[Poppy Lake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it, I wanted more funnies though!

[Katie Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just love them

[Amber Wilcox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Been wanting to read this for a while and it was amazing. Love these guys so much and very insightful