Sam Thompson and Zara McDermott split after spending Christmas and New Year apart

The Made in Chelsea and Strictly stars have split after five years together, it has been reported

Sam Thompson and Zara McDermott have split after five years together, it has been reported.

Over the half a decade together, the couple built home together next door to Sam’s sister Louise and her fiance Ryan Libbey. They also share two cats together – their beloved Albus and Cedric.

It comes after the couple spent Christmas and New Year separately. I’m A Celebrity winner Sam, 32, rang in the new year by partying at London’s Kensington Roof Gardens with former Made in Chelsea co-stars Reza Amiri-Garroussi and Josh Patterson. Meanwhile Zara had stayed at home with their cats.

A week earlier, Sam had been handing out presents and volunteering for a charity on Christmas Day, while Zara spent the time in Upminster, Essex, with her family. The couple had also spent time away from one another while Sam worked on I’m A Celebrity spin-off show Unpacked in Australia. Zara was unable to travel over due to work commitments while she was filming a BBC documentary.

A source told the MailOnline: “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.”

The couple were last seen together celebrating Zara's birthday
The couple were last seen together celebrating Zara’s birthday 
Image:
samthompsonuk/instagram)

Rumours previously circulated about the couple splitting
Rumours previously circulated about the couple splitting
They continued to say that the couple had worked hard on their romance but that spending time away from one another had made it difficult and they’re keen to spend time on their individual careers moving forward.

The Mirror has reached out to the couple’s reps for comment.

Neither Sam nor Zara have yet spoken out about the claims, but the former Made in Chelsea star took to his Instagram Stories during a morning walk on New Year’s Day to share his excitement over 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,” said Sam before appearing to kiss his camera.

The pair still appear to be on good terms, with Zara commenting on Sam’s Instagram prank on Pete from just two days ago. She responded with a series of crying laughing emojis: “‘Are you at a secure location’ gets me every time.”

The couple were last seen together in December celebrating Zara’s birthday as Sam shared a post calling her his “soulmate” and “best friend”. However, just a week later, he was spotted standing outside strip club Stringfellows with Pete Wicks during a late night.

Sam won I'm A Celebrity in 2023
Sam won I’m A Celebrity in 2023 
Image:
@p_wicks01/Instagram)

Sam and Zara's work commitments have led to them drifting apart
Sam and Zara’s work commitments have led to them drifting apart 
Image:
@zara_mcdermott/Instagram)It comes after rumours circulated earlier in the summer suggesting a possible split between Sam and Zara. Reports claimed they had a major argument, with Zara reportedly leaving their London home and staying at her family’s place.

In June, a photo showed Zara appearing to shout at Sam in public after he represented England on the pitch for Soccer Aid 2024. In the images of the seemingly tense pair conversing in public, Zara could be seen animated as she wagged her finger at her beau following the star-studded afterparty. The pair appeared to be locked in conversation as they carried out their animated chat while waiting for their taxi to arrive.

Zara set the record straight regarding the ‘argument’ amid rumours of trouble in their relationship. “Why did this make me laugh so much btw,” she wrote asshe captioned the snap. “‘Stop saying you should have scored!!!! You did your best and that’s all that matters!!!! You need to stop doubting yourself!!! It looks like we are having an argument but I’m actually telling him positive affirmations in a very passionate manner! [laughing-face emojis].”

Related Posts

Victoria Beckham ‘struggling’ over Brooklyn as family threatens to ‘rupture’

EXCLUSIVE: Victoria Beckham is said to be “struggling” as the rumoured feud between her, David and their son Brooklyn rumbles on, with the family reportedly being torn…

Prince Harry to be ‘even angrier in new royal row’ if latest move goes wrong

With Meghan Markle pressing ahead with her As Ever lifestyle brand, reports have suggested Prince Harry could soon follow in her footsteps with his own commercial brand…

Simon Rimmer breaks down in tears discussing family heartbreak with daughter: ‘I will never get over it – I never want to’

The Sunday Brunch host has said his dad was his ‘hero’ TV chef Simon Rimmer recently spoke from the heart about his late father’s death, and the impact he…

Ben Shephard’s relationship ‘agreement’ with wife Annie as he issues her warning

The pair have been together for years Ben Shephard recently made a rare admission about his home life with wife Annie Perks. Beloved presenter Ben, 50, and Annie…

Inside Davina McCall’s romance with Michael Douglas – meeting while married; support during split; relationship with his kids

She’s been with hairdresser Michael since 2017 Davina McCall is a UK television icon, from her decade hosting Big Brother to her presenting duties on ITV’s Long Lost Family and her…

Katie Price fumes she’s ‘discriminated’ against as she gives update on finances

Former glamour model Katie Price has claimed she is discriminated against as she gave an insight into her life since being cleared of her two bankruptcies earlier…