Sam Thompson breaks cover after Zara McDermott and Louis Tomlinson debut romance (2025)

Made In Chelsea star Sam Thompson appeared in high spirits as he was seen leaving his home in South London following pictures of his ex-girlfriend holding hands with her new love interest, One Direction star Louis Tomlinson

Sam Thompson was all smiles today as he was pictured leaving his home in South London just hours after his best friend Pete Wicks said he was happy for Sam's ex-girlfriend Zara McDermott amid her new romance with Louis Tomlinson. The Made In Chelsea star, 32, beamed from ear-to-ear as he left his lavish home in Chelsea.

The reality TV favourite appeared to soak up the April sunshine for a moment before hopping into a black cab. Sam donned a casual outfit consisting of khaki green trousers and a navy long-sleeved top. In his arms, he carried a denim jacket and topped off the trendy ensemble with a pair of white trainers. Sam appeared to be in cheerful spirits despite pictures being released yesterday of Zara, 28, and Louis, 33, holding hands in LA.

Earlier today, Sam's best friend, Pete Wicks, said he is "happy" for Sam's ex Zara and singer Louis' new romance after they were spotted holding hands. Speaking on KISS Breakfast, where he and Olivia Attwood took over from Perri Kiely and Jordan Banjo for the week, Pete said: "I know them, I have a sight connection there and you know, I'm happy, I'm happy for them."

"That's amazing, I've seen the pictures they're walking through a car park, really romantic... I'm really struggling not to say anything but it is good gossip. I might tell you some more off air." Pete's comments come after Zara and 1D singer Louis were spotted enjoying a sunny romantic trip to Los Angeles, with them sharing snaps on their social media from the same locations.

Zara, 28, and Louis, 33, spent a night together at a gig as they watched Stereophonics in a packed crowd - while skilfully keeping each other off their photos. Later in the week, Zara finally confirmed her relationship with Louis as she shared a snap of them enjoying breakfast together in Malibu as Louis' arm featured in a snap in a move that has been branded a 'soft launch' of their romance.

The romance was fully sealed when Zara and Louis were pictured on another lunch date at Soho Beach House in Malibu. They walked hand in hand as they were full smiles while chatting away to each other – although a body language expert has claimed one might be more into the romance than the other.

Their romantic public display of affection comes just one month after they were seen on a cosy date for the first time at a hotel restaurant in Suffolk. Zara was previously in a relationship with Made In Chelsea star Sam - with who she split from in December. The couple were together for five years and Pete was jokingly considered their "third wheel".

The TOWIE star featured on many of their TikTok skits and even joined them on may outings, date nights and more.

Sam has yet to comment on Zara and Louis' new romance but previously shared a cryptic comment, saying: "People look for validation in others to fill that hole", which is something he says he 'can't do'.

He also spoke with friend and Married At First sight star, Paul C Brunson, on a recent episode of his podcast Staying Relevant, Sam was asked what he was doing to find self love.

The I'm A Celeb winner confessed he hasn't been thinking about dating as he replied: "Not much to be honest with you." Suggesting people look for validation in others, he continued: "I suppose a lot of people look for validation in other people right? And they look for the next person instantly because it's like: 'I need to find someone else to fill that hole and I need to find that excitement. You know when you get that excited feeling when you are talking to someone new and fresh. I can't do that."

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