Zara McDermott confirms Louis Tomlinson relationship as she shares first snap with One Direction star after Sam Thompson split

WATCH HERE: Sam Thompson & Zara McDermott’s Midnight Gameshow on BBC

BBC
Lauren Williams

By Lauren Williams


Published: 11/04/2025

- 11:09

The former Love Island star and the One Direction singer had previously been snapped on a date in Aldeburgh

Zara McDermott seems to have “soft-launched” her relationship with One Direction star Louis Tomlinson on her Instagram after his tattooed arm could be seen in the background of a recent snap.

Earlier this year, McDermott and ex-boyfriend Sam Thompson called time on their five-year relationship and left fans of the pair devastated.


McDermott and Tomlinson first sparked romance rumours back in March after going for dinner together in The Suffolk in Aldeburgh – with a fellow diner snapping the couple on their romantic date.

Yesterday, McDermott seemed to launch their relationship and confirm their “official” status by posting an image of their lunch date on her Instagram story.

In the post, a plate of blueberry pancakes and a plate of eggs benedict were placed on the table, with Tomlinson’s inked arm being spotted in the top left-hand corner.

The pair both confirmed they were in LA after sharing they were at the recent Stereophonics concert at The Wiltern theatre in LA within minutes of one another.

Zara McDermott

The star shared the cosy brunch on her Instagram where his tattoo was visible

INSTAGRAM

It has not been confirmed by either McDermott or Tomlinson that they are dating, but internet sleuths are convinced after matching social media posts.

The timeline of their meeting has also not been confirmed, but it has been speculated by fans that the pair met through Tomlinson’s sisters – Daisy and Phoebe.

One fan suggested on Reddit: "I think there is a documentary about the Tomlinson’s being produced since the sisters are interested in being England’s version of the Kardashians. Zara has worked on documentaries, maybe she is involved with that."

A source also previously claimed McDermott was “dating up” and told The Sun: “She’s always done well to reinvent herself over the years.

Sam Thompson and Zara McDermott

The couple dates for five years before announcing their split earlier this year

PA

“She has been prepared to make the necessary changes to her career and personal life to take things to the next level.

A relationship with Louis would allow her to submerge herself into music and let her focus on her passion that she has neglected in recent years.”

During their dinner date, the pair were seen giggling and holding hands, with one onlooker noting: “They looked every bit the happy couple.”

They added that “Zara had a few cocktails" and "Louis was really making her giggle" as they spoke for ages in the swanky venue.

McDermott’s ex has yet to comment on the new romance and recently insisted he would not be rushing into any new romances any time soon.

He told Paul Brunson on his Staying Relevant podcast: “Not much to be honest with you. I suppose a lot of people look for validation in other people.

“They look for the other person instantly to fill that hole. I can't do that.

Thompson and Tomlinson are set for an awkward meeting later this year as they both gear up to play for England in the upcoming Soccer Aid for UNICEF.