Inside Sam Thompson's love life after Zara McDermott split and why they really broke up
Sam Thompson has been in the spotlight for his relationships as well as his appearances on Made in Chelsea, I'm A Celebrity and Soccer Aid
Sam Thompson has been participating in a strenuous challenge ahead of this year's Soccer Aid for UNICEF. The Made in Chelsea star and I'm A Celebrity winner has been competing in Match Ball Mission throughout this week, with his progress being broadcast on ITV's This Morning.
He's been transporting the Soccer Aid match ball over 260 miles from Stamford Bridge to Old Trafford in preparation for this year's game. Every mile, whether on foot or by bike, Sam is aiming to raise as much money as possible to support UNICEF's work for children worldwide - and he's expected to cross the finish line on Friday, June 6, which will also be televised on This Morning.
Before the completion of his colossal task, we delve into the 32-year-old's love life following his recent break up with Zara McDermott. Reality star turned documentary maker Zara is now dating One Direction's Louis Tomlinson - who coincidentally is participating in the Soccer Aid match alongside Sam on Sunday, June 15 at Old Trafford.
Sam and Zara's romance
Sam and Zara started dating in early 2019, shortly after she had finished her stint on Love Island where she was involved with self-proclaimed ladies' man, Adam Collard, reports Wales Online.
At that time, Londoner Sam was in a relationship with fellow Made In Chelsea cast member Sophie Habboo (now married to fellow MIC and Strictly star Jamie Laing and expecting her first child) but it wasn't long before Zara and Sam became official and Zara soon joined the cast of the E4 reality show.
Zara and Sam found themselves in troubled waters towards the end of 2019 amid rumours Zara had been unfaithful with music executive Brahim Fouradi during her time on X Factor: Celebrity, according to Hello!
Initially, Zara refuted the cheating rumours, but she ultimately came clean in an emotional apology posted online in October 2020, after the affair hit the headlines. In a tear-jerking Made in Chelsea episode aired that same month, viewers watched as Zara pleaded with Sam for his forgiveness – that scene has since turned into a viral meme, which they've both learned to laugh about.
Sam chose to put the past behind them, and the couple's move to their pad in Chelsea, close to Sam's sister Louise, was documented by their comical TikTok updates.
Why did Sam and Zara split?
Rumours that the pair had parted ways began circulating at the beginning of 2025, following a five-year romance. Speculation pointed to their separate celebrations over the festive period – Sam was volunteering for charity while Zara spent Christmas with her family in Upminster; Sam partied at Kensington Roof Gardens come New Year's Eve, as Zara opted for a quieter evening.
The pressures of their demanding schedules were blamed for the root cause of their break up.
Their last public outing as a couple was to celebrate Zara's birthday in December 2024, where Sam shared a heartfelt Instagram post calling Zara his "soulmate".
Who is Sam now dating?
Sam, who recently opened up about his autism diagnosis, has reportedly been in a relationship with Love Island's Samie Elishi since April. However, when questioned about her support during his Soccer Aid challenge, he told MailOnline: 'I feel like... this is so much more than who I'm dating or hooking up with. And I feel like it would take away from what it is going on. You know what I mean?
"You know, If I had a wife or something like, like a girlfriend of years it might be a different. I just think that I don't want to do anything that will take away from this challenge and UNICEF - the spotlight needs to be on them. Like, I'm literally a vehicle. That's how I'm seeing it. I'm just a thing that is running to try and make money, so I want to keep it that way."
Meanwhile, Zara has been dating One Direction's Louis Tomlinson following her break up with Sam, and Louis is set to return to the Soccer Aid line-up.
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