Sam Thompson appeared in good spirits as he spent time with his family after his ex, Zara McDermott, moved on with One Direction star Louis Tomlinson.
21:19, 26 Mar 2025

Sam Thompson has shown a united front with his family after his ex, Zara McDermott, moved on with One Direction star Louis Tomlinson. Sam and Zara announced their break-up back in December. The Made in Chelsea has now taken to Instagram to share a heartfelt tribute to his sister, Louise Thompson, celebrating her birthday with a collection of family snaps. Sam posted photos with Louise, her husband Ryan Libbey, and their son Leo-Hunter.
The star put on a brave face as he posed the photos alongisde his tight-knit group. Zara was once close with Sam’s family, as the group frequently spent time together. Sam captioned the wholesome post: “Happy birthday to my best friend! The person I look up to the most in this world.
“You’ve been there for me every single day of my life at my highest and my lowest. There was a chance, not even a year ago this kind of day wouldn’t be happening and I am grateful for every minute that I get to annoy you. Love you mate and I couldn’t ask for a better sister….ps you’re now officially a KAREN,” alongside heart emojis.
Sam and Zara had been together since 2019, but their relationship hit turbulence early on when Zara admitted to cheating. Despite reconciling and appearing stronger, they eventually split, reportedly due to busy schedules and spending too much time apart. While Sam was away in Australia for I’m A Celebrity: Unpacked, Zara was focusing on her own career, leading them to go their separate ways.

Since their breakup, Zara has struck up a romance with Louis. Fans noticed that she, Louis, and his sisters had started following each other on Instagram, fuelling speculation. Their romance was confirmed after the pair were spotted on a date, at The Suffolk in the town of Aldeburgh recently.
Zara’s romance with Louis is “very early days,” though it’s been reported that she has already been introduced to his family. They are said to be “happy” with the potential romance between him and Zara.

Louis – who’s a parent to a nine-year-old son, Freddie, from a previous relationship – grew up as the eldest of eight siblings. His family includes makeup artist Lottie Tomlinson, 26, and he’s said to have a “special bond” with his sister.
A source told the Sun: “Zara has already met all the family and they can tell that she has made Louis giddy. It’s the first time in a long time that they have seen him happy.” The source added: “They think Zara is super wholesome and health-conscious so they are happy he is with someone who shuns the party life.”

Another source told the Mirror: “It’s very early days but it’s clear she is having fun like any single, twenty-something.” A source added: “It’s been a low-key but fun two weeks.”
It was further reported that she had been dating Louis for a “couple” of weeks and that he was “clearly making her smile”. It was also reported last week that Zara and Louis had enjoyed a getaway together in Suffolk. He’s said to have planned the trip and been “thoughtful”. A source previously told The Sun that Louis “whisked” Zara away to Suffolk for a break and that he “absolutely charmed her”. They added that it’s “clear” that he think she is “drop-dead gorgeous” too.
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