Sam Thompson has been spotted for the first time since it was reported he has split from Zara McDermott – despite the couple sparking engagement rumours just one month ago.
Sam Thompson has been spotted for the first time since his break up with Zara McDermott. Earlier this week, it was reported that 32-year-old Sam and Zara, 28, had called it quits after five years together. The couple appeared to be going strong just last month as they sparked engagement rumours, while they share a lavish home next to Sam’s sister Louise Thompson and co-parent two cats, Cedric and Albus, and
But on Thursday (2 January), a visibly downcast Sam was seen returning to his London pad, donning a beige bomber jacket and dark trousers. Walking with headphones in, Sam appeared to be keeping a low profile as he made his way home with his head down. Zara was noticeably absent.
Sam and Zara raised eyebrows when they celebrated Christmas and New Year apart. I’m A Celebrity winner Sam welcomed the new year at London’s Kensington Roof Gardens with ex-Made in Chelsea pals Reza Amiri-Garroussi and Josh Patterson, while Zara stayed home with their cats.
Just a week prior, Sam spent Christmas Day volunteering and distributing gifts for a charity, while Zara enjoyed the festive period in Upminster, Essex, with her family, reports the Mirror. The duo also spent some time apart at the end of 2024 when Sam was busy filming I’m A Celebrity spin-off show Unpacked in Australia. Zara couldn’t join him due to work commitments as she was shooting a BBC documentary.
Claiming they have parted ways, a source told MailOnline this week: “Sam and Zara have ended their relationship. It’s been an incredibly difficult decision for them to part ways, they still care and have a lot of love for each other.”
They went on to reveal that despite their best efforts to keep the flame alive, time apart had taken its toll and they’re now focusing on their individual careers. Neither Sam nor Zara have publicly addressed the rumours yet, but the former Made in Chelsea star did take to his Instagram Stories on New Year’s Day to express his excitement for 2025.
“New year! 2025 baby come on let’s have it! I can’t wait. The New year is going to be amazing and you’re going to have the best year ever. And you know I’m always right,” he gushed before appearing to plant a kiss on his camera.
It’s not the first time Sam and Zara have ran into trouble, as the latter cheated on him just over a year into their relationship.
During her stint on the X Factor in 2019, Zara was unfaithful to Sam with music boss Brahim Fourad. When the affair came to light, the pair appeared to be over for good, but after a heartfelt public apology, Sam decided to forgive her.
In 2022, Zara admitted she didn’t think they would manage to repair the relationship after the scandal. She confessed: “When it happened I genuinely thought that me and Sam were going to break up, inevitably. I just thought we were hanging on by a tiny thread and we’re going to break up.”
Zara made her public apology via Instagram, where she wrote: “A huge mistake I made a year ago has recently come to light and I want to face this head on. I don’t condone being unfaithful and I made a huge mistake at a time in my life where I was hugely selfish and immature. She continued: “I believe I have learnt so much from my mistake. I want to apologise to my Sam for everything I have put him through, for the pain, the embarrassment, the anger and the hurt. All I want to do is make this right and I think the least he deserves is me being honest with myself and all of you. I love you Sam. Forever x.”