Zara McDermott fuels Sam Thompson relationship drama rumours as she attends Wimbledon with her dad
ARRIVING at Wimbledon with her dad in tow, Zara McDermott has fuelled ongoing speculation that her relationship with Sam Thompson is in tatters.
The 27-year-old made her first public appearance at the tennis tournament this week, since reports first emerged that her personal life is in crisis.
Last month it was revealed that Zara had packed her bags following a blazing row with Sam and fled their London home for her parent’s house in Essex.
Wearing a cream-striped halter neck dress, the former Love Island star showed no signs of strain as she smiled for the cameras alongside dad Alan, as the pair rubbed shoulders in the VIP Vodaphone suite.
But there was no sign of I am a Celeb star, Sam, who was seen looking downcast at the TRIC awards last week and being consoled by a close friend amid the news of crisis talks with Zara.
The former Made in Chelsea star was seen being comforted by his friend Pete Wicks in the smoking area, outside the awards bash at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel.
But speaking on his podcast, Staying Relevant, the reality star explained that he wasn’t crying, but had merely received some ‘upsetting news’ that day.
He said: ‘I wasn’t crying, I wasn’t actually crying. I just want to let everyone know that now.
‘Look, there’s no way of getting around it. I had actually received some bad news, so I actually was really sad, I’m not going to lie about it, but I was.’
Sam and Zara were spotted filming together in Chelsea on last week after rumours of trouble in their relationship first surfaced.
A source close to the pair has said they are now trying to ‘patch things up’.
The insider told The Sun: “Since Christmas Zara and Sam have been really busy with work and have had little quality time to see each other, and as a result, their relationship has suffered.
‘They’ve both wanted to make the most of their careers and say yes to all the exciting opportunities offered to them.
‘Last weekend it came to a head and they had a big row. It was very upsetting and they needed some time to let the dust settle.’
Sam Thompson and Zara McDermott's relationship timeline
May 2019: Sam confirms he’s started dating Zara in an interview after she “slid into his DMs” – they go Instagram official a month later.
October 2019: Zara makes her Made In Chelsea debut alongside Sam
November 2019: Zara forms a Love Island supergroup with Wes Nelson, Eyal Booker and Samira Mighty for Celebrity X Factor.
December 2019: Zara and Sam hit their first rocky patch, with scenes airing on Made In Chelsea showing Sam trying to “salvage” the relationship.
April 2020: In new Made In Chelsea scenes, the couple are seen fighting for their relationship, with Sam vowing to give his “whole heart” to her.
July 2020: The couple seem back on track as they head on holiday to Mykonos together – with reports he’s planning to propose.
September 10 2020: The MailOnline reports the couple have split, with Zara moving back to her parents’ in Essex. The Sun reveals Zara cheated on Sam while on Celebrity X Factor.
October 19, 2020: Made in Chelsea scenes air showing Zara begging Sam to forgive her. It comes days after Zara posted a montage of her and Sam together, calling him the “love of her life”.
November 2020: Rumours circulate they are secretly back together.
August 2021: Zara pivots her career into documentaries, being praised for one on revenge porn, before landing a hosting gig for BBC’s Love In The Flesh.
September 2021: Sam says he trusts Zara again and they are going well.
March 2022: Zara and Sam start giving their London home a makeover.
August 2023: Zara lands spot on Strictly Come Dancing.
November 2023: Sam heads to Australia for I’m A Celebrity – later winning the show. Zara needs to stay in UK due to Strictly obligations.
May 2024: Couple spark engagement rumours as they look happier than ever on social media.
June 11 2024: Sam and Zara are seen having an explosive row after SoccerAid – though they later try to laugh it off.
June 29 2024: Sam seen being consoled by Pete Wicks at Tric Awards, with news later claiming he and Zara are in “crisis talks” after she walks out of their home.