Everything We Know About Love Island's Zara McDermott
Love Island star turned Made in Chelsea ex-girlfriend, Zara McDermott, has made an impressive name for herself as a British documentary maker - so, how did she get here?
From Love Island to Made in Chelsea and plenty of documentaries since then, Zara McDermott has graced our screens for many years now in more ways than one. But who actually is the striking reality TV star, and where did she come from?
Unless you've been living under a rock for the last few months, you'll be well aware that Sam Thompson and Zara McDermott have recently split up. The pair sadly went from gushing about each other online to shocking fans everywhere with a sudden break-up announcement - so, let's break down what happened.
We'll also cover what Zara has been up to since their break-up, her top career moments so far, and we'll share all the latest gossip about which One Direction band member she's recently soft-launched her relationship with on Instagram!
- Who is Zara McDermott?
- Sam Thompson & Zara McDermott Split: Relationship Timeline
- Zara McDermott on Strictly Come Dancing
- Zara McDermott Dating History
- Zara McDermott & Louis Tomlinson: Dating Rumours
- Where is Zara McDermott Now?
Who is Zara McDermott?
Love Island's Zara McDermott is a reality TV star who shot to fame following her appearance on the ITV dating show in 2018 when she was just 21 years old. Zara appeared on series four of Love Island alongside stars such as Eyal Booker, Megan Barton-Hanson, Dani Dyer, Jack Fincham, Dr Alex George and Zara's ex boyfriend Adam Collard.
During her time on the show, Zara was coupled up with Adam Collard, but the pair split shortly after leaving the villa.
Now 26 years old, Zara has left her days in reality TV behind, in favour of an office job. Before she entered the Love Island villa and took on life as a reality TV star, Zara, originally from Essex, worked as a policy advisor for the Department of Education.
Many people ask 'how tall is Zara McDermott' due to her striking, model-like figure - and the answer is 170cm. She's also got brown hair, gorgeous brown eyes and a knack of cooking up delicious dishes for her followers on TikTok.
Following her stint on Love Island, Zara went on to host Love in the Flesh and appeared in a few seasons of Made in Chelsea with boyfriend Sam Thompson. She's also fronted a string of hard-hitting documentaries focusing on issues close to her heart. Zara McDermott's documentary portfolio includes Revenge Porn, Disordered Eating and Uncovering Rape Culture.
Her job now sees her back in an office, working on new shows for this year, however she did take a break from filming to appear on our screens in a slightly different capacity.
Zara took part in this year's Strictly Come Dancing with partner Graziano Di Prima. The couple had a great run, with Zara showing great progress in the show, until she became the fifth person to be voted out in late October.
Sam Thompson & Zara McDermott's Split: Relationship Timeline
Sam Thompson and Zara McDermott began dating in 2019 before breaking up in Christmas of 2024, but their relationship had its fair share of ups and downs. From cheating scandals to cute couples challenges, these two overcame an obstacle or two to say the least - so let's take a look back at their relationship right from the very beginning, to where it is now.
February 2019 - Zara McDermott is Newly Single
After eight months together, Zara and her Love Island co-star Adam Collard announce they have parted ways in February 2019. Zara is officially single and on the market, but not for too long.
May 2019 - Zara Slides Into Sam's DMs
After spotting something she likes on social media, Zara slides into Sam's DMs and the pair begin chatting. Zara made the first move, and it certainly impressed Sam.
June 2019 - Sam and Zara Go Instagram Official
After just over a month of dating, Zara and Sam go Instagram official, posting their first picture together.
October 2019 - Zara Joins Made in Chelsea Cast
In August 2019, it's confirmed that Zara will join the cast of Made in Chelsea for series 18 of the show, which later aired that October, Sam introduces Zara to his then ex-best friend Jamie. The pair aren't on the best terms after Jamie announces he's dating Sam's ex Habbs. Little did we all know that Jamie Laing and Sophie Habboo would later marry - and Sam and girlfriend Zara would be at the wedding!
November 2019 - Zara Takes Part in Celebrity X Factor
In November that year, Zara announced that she will join her fellow Love Island castmates, Wes Nelson, Samira Mighty and Eyal Booker on the first and only series of X Factor: Celebrity. This causes Sam and Zara to spend an extended amount of time apart and puts a strain on their relationship.
July 2020 - Sam and Zara Holiday Together
Seemingly more loved up than ever, Sam whisks Zara away for their first proper holiday together as a couple. The pair enjoy the sun in Mykonos in July 2020, posting a stream of loved-up pictures whilst out there.
September 2020 - Sam and Zara Break Up the First Time
The honeymoon period was officially over for Sam and Zara in September 2020. The couple split after rumours that Zara had cheated on Sam during her time on X Factor: Celebrity were found to be true. Zara and Sam's breakup was publicised on the winter series of Made in Chelsea, and Zara later posted a statement to her Instagram apologising to Sam and gushing about his character.
December 2020 - Sam and Zara Get Back Together
Proving all the doubters wrong, Sam and Zara found a way to reconcile at the end of 2020. In a statement to MailOnline, Sam said, "I believe in forgiveness. I understand the context – and I think in any walk of life you can't move forward unless you forgive. Forgiveness allows you to heal.
"You can only heal when you forgive the other person and get over that. I would definitely say no matter what you should always try to forgive and you'll feel better in yourself – it's easier said than done but you've got to strive for that"
Early 2021 - The Couple Move in Together
And we're so happy they did, because since then, Sam and Zara's relationship has gone from strength to strength. The pair moved in together in 2021 and haven't looked back since. They are now one of social media's most loved (and loved-up!) couples, with their hilarious couples memes and challenges going viral on a weekly occasion.
October 2023 - Zara Appears on Strictly Come Dancing
Zara and partner Graziano partnered up for this year's Strictly Come Dancing. The pair performed well in the series, but tough competition saw them become the fifth couple to be eliminated.
December 2023 - Sam is Crowned King of the Jungle
Sam won over an entire nation during his time in I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here and saw himself being crowned as King of the Jungle ahead of runner up Tony Bellew, with Nigel Farage coming third.
Along with their funny tricks and reels, the pair also regularly post public praise for each other, and share affectionate posts about their relationship - so much so, that we're pretty sure a celebrity engagement ring is only around the corner.
January 2024 - Trouble in Paradise
Sam returns from filming I'm a Celebrity: Extra Camp, and insiders report “distance and strain” in the relationship. Paparazzi pics show the pair looking tense leaving a London restaurant.
February 2024 - Valentine's Day Suspicions
Valentine’s Day came and went with no public messages or joint appearances. Followers begin speculating a possible quiet breakup.
August 2024 - From Ibiza to London
Zara is spotted in Ibiza with friends while Sam is seen out in London with Made in Chelsea castmates. A noticeable social media silence between the two continues.
December 2024 - Sam and Zara Split for a Second Time
The couple officially confirm their split via a joint statement shared with tabloids, citing “growing apart” and wanting “different things in the next chapter.” Zara later removes most of her posts with Sam.
March 2025 - Sam and Zara Share Heartbreak Online
Sam hints at heartbreak during a podcast episode, saying he's “learning a lot about self-worth.” Zara, meanwhile, shares behind-the-scenes content from her upcoming documentary.
April 2024 - Rumours of Zara's New Relationship with One Direction Star Louis Tomlinson
Zara is linked to Louis Tomlinson after photos emerge of the pair looking loved-up in L.A. Sam steps away from the public eye, focusing on work and family.
Zara McDermott on Strictly Come Dancing
In 2023, Zara swapped Chelsea drama for cha-cha-cha as she joined the cast of Strictly Come Dancing. Paired with professional dancer Graziano Di Prima, the two made headlines for their steamy routines and undeniable chemistry. But with the glitter came a flicker of gossip.
Rumours swirled that Zara’s intense connection with Graziano may have contributed to tension in her relationship with Sam - especially after behind-the-scenes Strictly videos began circulating. While both parties firmly denied anything untoward, it was clear that the spotlight (and the scrutiny) took its toll.
Despite the drama, Zara impressed audiences with her commitment and energy before exiting the show mid-series.
Zara McDermott's Dating History
Zara McDermott’s dating history has been a hot topic ever since her days on Love Island, where she briefly dated Adam Collard in the villa.
But it was her high-profile relationship with Made in Chelsea star Sam Thompson that really captured the public’s attention.
Despite their on-screen chemistry and social media moments, the relationship was rocked by scandal after Zara McDermott cheated during her time on The X Factor: Celebrity. Following their split, fans have been eager to know who Zara McDermott is dating now - and it looks like she may have moved on with former One Direction singer Louis Tomlinson.
The pair were recently seen together in Ibiza, sparking rumours of a new romance that has fans and followers talking across Instagram and beyond.
Zara McDermott and Louis Tomlinson: Dating Rumours
Since her split from Sam, Zara has kept her dating life relatively low-key - until now. Recently, she’s been linked to none other than former One Direction star Louis Tomlinson.
The pair were spotted together in Ibiza in early 2025, sparking rumours of a budding romance. While neither have confirmed the relationship publicly (yet), fans are already invested. Zara and Louis? Now that’s a plot twist.
As of May 8th 2025, the pair officially went Instagram official, as Louis gushed over his relationship with his new girlfriend Zara by leaving an adorable comment on her recent Instagram post. She shared with her fans a statement about her new documentary series set in Thailand, along with a picture of her smiling in front of a studio set-up.
Louis quickly took to the comments to write 'Proud of you x' along with a heart emoji - sweet!
Zara has also posted other pictures alluding to their new romance, such as ones of her posing in the streets of L.A. captioned 'April you've been special'. No prizes for guessing who is behind that!
Where is Zara McDermott Now?
These days, Zara is carving out a space for herself beyond the world of dating and dance floors. She’s become known for her thought-provoking documentaries, covering topics like revenge porn, eating disorders, and sexual assault - many of which draw from her own experiences.
Her BBC Three series has been widely praised for its honest storytelling and has shown a new, empowered side to the former reality star.
Between her advocacy work, her occasional TV appearances, and her rumoured new relationship, Zara is a woman on a mission - and we’re kind of here for it.
Whether you first saw her in the Love Island villa, on Strictly’s ballroom floor, or in a moving BBC documentary, one thing’s for sure: Zara McDermott has proven she’s more than just a tabloid headline. She’s a modern woman navigating love, fame and self-growth in real-time - and doing it all under the public gaze.
You heard it here first! Now, while we wait for their wedding planning journey to begin, check out Olivia Attwood and Bradley Dack's London wedding.
