Sam Thompson's love life after Zara McDermott split and his response to girlfriend rumours

Sam Thompson has been participating in a strenuous challenge ahead of this year's Soccer Aid for UNICEF. The Made in Chelsea star and I'm A Celebrity winner has been competing in Match Ball Mission throughout this week, with his progress being broadcast on ITV's This Morning.

He's been transporting the Soccer Aid match ball over 260 miles from Stamford Bridge to Old Trafford in preparation for this year's game. Every mile, whether on foot or by bike, Sam is aiming to raise as much money as possible to support UNICEF's work for children worldwide - and he's set to cross the finish line on Friday, June 6, which will also be televised on This Morning.

Before he completes his colossal task, we delve into the 32-year-old's love life following his recent break up with Zara McDermott. Reality star turned documentary maker Zara is now dating One Direction's Louis Tomlinson - who coincidentally will be participating in the Soccer Aid match alongside Sam on Sunday, June 15 at Old Trafford.

Sam and Zara started dating in early 2019, shortly after she had finished her stint on Love Island where she was involved with self-proclaimed ladies' man, Adam Collard, reports Wales Online.

At that time, Londoner Sam was in a relationship with fellow Made In Chelsea cast member Sophie Habboo (now married to fellow MIC and Strictly star Jamie Laing and expecting her first child) but it wasn't long before Zara and Sam became official and Zara soon joined the cast of the E4 reality show.

In a dramatic twist to their love story, Zara and Sam weathered a storm back in late 2019 amid allegations that Zara had strayed with music mogul Brahim Fouradi during her stint on X Factor: Celebrity, as reported by Hello! magazine.

Initially dismissing the rumours, Zara ultimately poured out her heart on social media with an emotional confession in October 2020. That same month, viewers of Made in Chelsea watched as Zara implored Sam for forgiveness - footage that has since morphed into meme-worthy material.

Happily, the couple later laughed off the incident. Choosing to put the past behind them, Sam reconciled with Zara, and the pair settled down together in their Chelsea pad, right next to Sam’s sister Louise, sharing TikToks enjoyed by their fans.

Five years on, whispers of a breakup began swirling at the start of 2025 after the duo spent Christmas Day and New Year's Eve separately. While Sam dedicated his Christmas to volunteering for a charitable cause, Zara joined her kin in Upminster, East London.

Sam was seen revelling with mates at Kensington Roof Gardens to ring in the New Year, leaving Zara to embrace a quieter celebration. The crux of their separation seemed rooted in their hectic, clashing timetables.

The last sighting of this reality TV pair together was in December 2024, celebrating Zara’s birthday. It was then that Sam took to Instagram with loving words for his girlfriend, dubbing her his "soulmate".

Sam, who recently opened up about his autism diagnosis, has reportedly been in a relationship with Love Island's Samie Elishi since April. However, when questioned about her support during his Soccer Aid challenge, he told MailOnline: 'I feel like... this is so much more than who I'm dating or hooking up with. And I feel like it would take away from what it is going on. You know what I mean?

'You know, If I had a wife or something like, like a girlfriend of years it might be a different. I just think that I don't want to do anything that will take away from this challenge and UNICEF - the spotlight needs to be on them.

'Like, I'm literally a vehicle. That's how I'm seeing it. I'm just a thing that is running to try and make money, so I want to keep it that way. ".

Zara has been dating One Direction's Louis Tomlinson following her break up with Sam, and Louis is set to return to the Soccer Aid line-up.

This Morning is on ITV1 weekdays at 10am and ITVX. Soccer Aid is on ITVX on Sunday, June 15