EXCLUSIVE The TRUTH on Samie Elishi and Sam Thompson's romance as couple are hit with split rumours amid whirlwind romance
Samie Elishi and Sam Thompson have hit back at split rumours and are loving spending time together amid their blossoming romance.
The Love Island star, 25, is currently soaking up the sun at an unknown location with fellow stars Sophie Piper and Maura Higgins for a brand trip with Space NK.
Meanwhile Sam is back home preparing for both Soccer Aid and his latest challenge which will see the star travel a mammoth 260-mile journey on both bike and foot to deliver the Soccer Aid matchball to its new home in Old Trafford.
The distance has resulted in split rumours, but a source close to the couple told MailOnline: 'Any suggestion that Sam and Samie have split up is untrue.
'They're loving spending time together and always make the most of off days between their busy schedules.'
MailOnline has contacted Sam and Samie's representatives for comment.
From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the Daily Mail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop.
Elsewhere Sam's ex Zara McDermott has been packing on the PDA with her new boyfriend Louis Tomlinson during a romantic holiday to Costa Rica.
The pair were spotted locking lips with her new man at the modest Banana Beach Restaurant which overlooks the ocean.
Sam first met Samie, who appeared on Love Island in 2023 and returned to the All Stars series this year, through his presenting role on spinoff, Aftersun.
Samie previously broke her silence on her new romance with Sam, after the couple attended the swanky celebration held at Bacchanalia in London's Mayfair where they confirmed the romance by packing on the PDA outside the venue.
Samie spoke about the blossoming relationship for the first time during an appearance on the podcast Chloe Mediumship.
The show is hosted by a psychic medium and in the episode, Samie revealed how she's previously had negative gut feelings in past relationships.
She explained: 'I've had gut feelings with guys before. I've had a couple of relationships where I've known it was never it. Like this is gonna come to an end, I'll have something telling me every day it's coming to an end, this isn't for you.
'You put it to the back of your mind and then you start noticing the chaos increase. It's like the universe saying I'm gonna blow you both up if you just do not seperate. Then I'm like if I only I listened all those months ago when I got that first message.'
The Love Island star, 25, is currently soaking up the sun at an unknown location for a brand trip with Space NK
Then, host Chloe asked: 'Obviously, you don't have to talk about it too much but the guy you're currently speaking to, do you have that gut feeling? Like do you think it's gonna be really good?'
Keeping her cards close to her chest, the former Love Islander replied: 'There's been no bad stuff at the minute so yeah I suppose it is all positive right now. It's early days.'
Sam and his ex-girlfriend Zara split in January, with Zara quickly moving on with One Direction star Louis Tomlinson.
On his Staying Relevant podcast with Pete Wicks, Sam also revealed he's gone on his first date since his split from Zara, after he reportedly spent a romantic Easter weekend with Samie.
Hinting towards his heartbreak over Zara, he said he'd gone through a 'pretty tough time', but that he was finally 'comfortable in my own skin again'.
He told Pete: 'I feel like I'm ready to get out there. I feel like I'm at a stage now where I feel confident enough that I can start approaching females.
'I feel good, things are really really nice at the moment. And I feel like I'm happy. There's no more brave faces', causing Pete to proudly declare: 'Sam's ready to date!'
Next week Sam will begin a 260-mile challenge in aid of Soccer Aid for UNICEF, transporting a football by running and cycling from Stamford Bridge in west London to Manchester's Old Trafford stadium in time for the Soccer Aid match on June 15.
The challenge, which will be followed by the ITV documentary Sam Thompson's Match Ball Mission, is a savvy commission from the broadcaster. Because Sam will be taking part in the star-studded match at Old Trafford alongside none other than Zara's new beau, Louis.
The football match is already the talk of ITV corridors, with all eyes sure to be on the two love rivals as they go head to head on the pitch.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Independent
10 minutes ago
- The Independent
Salman Rushdie says he's ‘over' vicious knife attack
Salman Rushdie believes authors should worry about AI when it can write funny books, stating AI currently lacks a sense of humor. Speaking at the Hay Festival, Rushdie admitted he has never tried using AI and prefers to ignore its existence. The event marked Rushdie's most high-profile UK appearance since the 2022 on-stage stabbing in the US, with heightened security measures in place. Rushdie mentioned it was important for him and his wife to revisit the site of the attack, and he expressed being "over" the incident. Rushdie has faced threats since the 1988 publication of ' The Satanic Verses,' which led to a fatwa calling for his execution by Iran's Ayatollah Khomeini.
The Sun
17 minutes ago
- The Sun
Daniel Levy's right-hand woman LEAVES Tottenham as summer shakeup begins with Postecoglou's future also in doubt
TOTTENHAM executive director Donna Cullen has announced her departure from the club. Cullen had been on the Spurs board for almost 20 years before stepping down. 1 During that time, she became a close confidant of Daniel Levy and worked as his deputy. However, the executive director has now left the club to spend more time with her family. In a statement released on Monday morning, Cullen said: "This has been such a hard decision to make. The Club has been my life for the past three decades. "I have had the privilege of working with Daniel, whose vision and energy has driven the Club forward, and so many talented and wonderful colleagues. "It has been quite some journey, starting at White Hart Lane, with a brief stay at Wembley and finally our new home -amazing memories home and away. "Ending this season with the Europa League Trophy was a dream come true. "The time is now right for me to gather more time for myself and my family, whom I thank for all their support over the years. "I shall spend the coming months ensuring there is a smooth handover with my staff. Thank you all. I wish everyone at the Club all the success in the world." Meanwhile, Levy said: "Donna has made an immense contribution to the Club, over an extensive period. Her diverse responsibilities grew significantly and replacing her roles with a single individual will be impossible. "While many may associate her primarily with marketing and communications, Donna's impact extends far beyond those areas. Notably, her leadership and political acumen at planning committees, was instrumental in the Club being able to build one of the finest stadiums and training centres in the world. "She deserves recognition for the contribution she played in the formation of the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation, which has positively impacted countless individuals in our communities, and in establishing the London Academy of Excellence, providing children with exceptional educational opportunities. "Donna has pushed the conscience of the Club to be at the forefront of environmental and diversity initiatives. She also played a crucial role in supporting the amateur part-time Spurs Ladies, enabling the development of our professional women's team. "Her daily input will be greatly missed, however she fully deserves to take time for herself, and I know that we shall be able to call upon her advice when needed. We wish her well for the future."
The Sun
17 minutes ago
- The Sun
I've saved thousands by bagging FREE days out with my two kids & on summer holidays – here's my best tips
A SAVVY mum-of-two has revealed how she saves thousands of pounds without ditching days out or summer holidays. Natalie Smith, from Dymchurch, Kent, insists that there are plenty of ways to plan fun activities for your family without breaking the bank. 3 3 3 She says plenty of organisations offer free entry for kids at their locations and events, but simply don't advertise it - meaning you just have to know where to look. And when it comes to finding holidays on a budget, the savvy mum has a few tricks up her sleeve. When it comes to holidays, Natalie, a full-time blogger, claims that planning is key - particularly for things like checking whether hotels or resorts offer any activities or other perks included in the price. She also says you have to be flexible - potentially planning trips around the cheapest flight dates - or consider alternative options, such as driving to various countries in Europe. And, Natalie is certain her tips work - as she and her husband Jason have been using them for years to take their kids Finn, 14, and Lola, 12, on countless memorable trips. Natalie, 35, said: "We started living like this because we had such a small income when the kids were younger that we knew if we wanted to take them on holidays and trips, we'd have to change things. "Things are easier now, but it becomes a way of life so we're still budgeters. It's what suits our values. "We'd rather do lots of things than have lots of things - so we scrimp in some places to make sure we can travel and have amazing experiences." Weekend Fun Natalie says one of the ways she keeps costs down - while keeping the kids entertained - is to have 'no spend' weekends. This involves tracking down free events. She said: "My biggest tip is to get a Blue Peter badge. These get kids into over 200 attractions across the UK - including theme parks, zoos, museums, gardens etc. - all for free. "Those badges are worth their weight in gold. "Another tip would be to use your Tesco Clubcard points. You don't have to just use them in the shop - you can also put them towards events and days out. Just check the app. "I'd also suggest making use of your surroundings. If you're in a city - or if you want to take a day trip to a city - a lot of stuff is free, like museums, parks, or lidos for the summer. "Take a picnic and that's still a no-spend day out. Where can kids eat for free this summer? THE summer holidays are here, but entertaining the kids need not cost a fortune. Here, we reveal where you can get free and cheap meals for your little ones during the 'endless' summer holidays. ASDA CAFE: Nip into an Asda cafe to feed the kids after the weekly shop. Under-16s get a hot or cold meal for £1 at any time of day. Little ones are covered, too. Kids under 18 months get a free Ella's baby food pouch with any purchase. BEEFEATER: This family-friendly pub chain makes mornings a breeze. Two kids under 16 eat for free with the purchase of an adult breakfast for £10.99. It's available from 6.30am to 10.30am midweek and 7am to 11am at weekends. BELLA ITALIA: Book a table and order an adult meal at the Italian eatery for kids aged two to 11 to get three courses and a drink for £1. Offer valid between 4pm and 6pm on Sundays to Wednesdays. On Thursdays, kids eat free all day when an adult meal is ordered from the a la carte menu. DUNELM: Make homeware shopping a fun day out. Dunelm's Pausa Cafes are offering free kids' meals for every £4 spent on their food or drink. Available all day, every day. BILL'S: Dine in at a Bill's restaurant to get up to two free kids' meals (normally £6.95 each) with an adult meal. Valid weekdays only until August 30. IKEA: Make it a food day at the Swedish home store. On every day except Fridays, enjoy a pit stop at their famous cafe from 11am to get a kids' pasta or mac and cheese dish for 95p. Other mini meals are available for £1.50. PIZZA EXPRESS: Kids up to age ten can get a free three-course Piccolo meal including dough balls, pizza or pasta and dessert with every adult meal purchased. The offer runs every day until August 11. TESCO: Pop to the supermarket cafe from Monday to Friday until August 30 for free kids' meals when an adult buys any item in the cafe. You must have a Clubcard to redeem the offer. THE RANGE: Kids under 16 get one free meal per adult main purchased at The Range cafes. Options include sandwiches, a cooked breakfast and fish and chips. All kids' meals come with a piece of fruit and a drink. "If you're in the countryside, use the beach, use the woods. Something like Geocaching - where you hunt for geocaches - can make a walk really fun without having to spend money. Jet, Set, Go "Train companies offer good deals too. National Rail does a Two For One, where you can get a London activity, like a River Thames boat cruise, included in the price of your ticket. "And on Southeastern Rail kids can travel for £1. "There are lots of these offers out there but companies don't actively advertise them so people aren't aware." Natalie also says that holidays don't have to be unattainable for people struggling with money - as there are plenty of ways to cut back on costs. She said: "One piece of simple advice I give people is to pick somewhere that offers a 'per party' price rather than a 'per person' price. Then it doesn't matter if you have lots of kids. "Also try to pick a destination that offers free things to do - included in your accommodation cost. "So, there are lots of places where you can do water sports for free - or which include passes to local theme parks etc. "We went to a resort in the Netherlands once which offered free access to attractions nearby - and had a safari park onsite. "So that gave us things to do without having to spend while we were out there. "So I'd say looking at those things and almost planning out your itinerary in advance can save you a fortune once you're out there." When it comes to travel, Natalie has some top tips for finding cheap flights - but also encourages families to consider driving if they're holidaying in Europe. She said: "When it comes to flights, Skyscanner is your best friend. If we have a specific destination in mind, then we'll be flexible with dates - and maybe plan the whole trip around which day the flight is cheapest. "If we don't mind where we go, we'll search for the cheapest flights to 'everywhere', and plan around that. "Otherwise though, we tend to drive as much as possible - because of how cheap ferries are. "We've driven to France, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and more - and the driving becomes part of the fun. "Recently we did a trip driving around Germany, Austria, and Italy, and spent around four days in each spot we stopped at - camping at local camp sites. "We planned activities for each place and it meant every moment was great. "One day, we were walking up mountains in Austria and the next we were at the canals in Venice, Italy. "And I just think sometimes you can spend a whole day trying to get a flight - when you consider driving to the airport, going through security, waiting to board, getting the flight, then getting your hire car on the other side. "So it's something to consider." Saving Up Natalie says that she and her family also look for ways they can cut back on spending throughout the year - so they can put money aside for their holidays. This includes batch cooking to save on groceries, always taking flasks out to avoid buying coffee, and even having dad Jason learn to cut son Finn's hair so they don't have any barber fees. Natalie said: "We batch cook a lot and always meal prep so we know what we need and what we're using for the week. "I also take a flask everywhere so I don't buy coffee - and just switch small things like cycling instead of taking the bus for any journeys I can. "We've learnt to do what we can for ourselves. We clean our own windows and Jason used a YouTube video to learn how to cut our son's hair. "I just think it's all about making small changes. Obviously, money is extremely tight for a lot of people. We've been there so we know. "But I do think just trying to save where you can - it can make life more affordable. "If you don't buy a coffee or lunch out - then you could save £5 a day. £5 a day adds up to £1,825 a year. "That's a great budget for a family holiday."
