Sam Thompson returned to social media with a serious promise to fans on New Year’s Day, shortly after MailOnline exclusively revealed his relationship with Zara McDermott was over.
The couple decided to end their five-year relationship, in which they traveled the world, built a house and became household names together, after growing apart.
But Sam, 32, was in good spirits as she shared her first Instagram post since news of their split emerged Wednesday morning.
Addressing her followers in a short video filmed outside her London home, she said: “The new year is going to be amazing.” You’re going to have the best year ever and you know that I’m never wrong, I’m always right.’
Saying goodbye with a kiss, he reiterated: “You are going to have the best year in your history.”
Hours earlier he celebrated New Year’s Eve partying with his former Made In Chelsea co-stars Reza Amiri-Garroussi and Josh Patterson at London’s Kensington Roof Gardens, while his ex-girlfriend Zara, 28, spent the evening at home with their cats.
Sam Thompson returned to social media with a serious promise to fans on New Year’s Day, shortly after MailOnline exclusively revealed his relationship with Zara McDermott was over.
The couple have decided to end their five-year relationship, which has seen them travel the world, build a house and become household names together, after splitting.
They also had separate Christmases after Sam volunteered for a charity and Zara stayed with her close family in Upminster, Essex.
Zara, who starred in last year’s Strictly Come Dancing, spent the run-up to the festive season without Sam as she was in Australia working on I’m A Celeb spin-off show Unpacked.
She was unable to join him in Australia due to her own work commitments, including launching the second release of her Rise clothing line and continuing to film her BBC documentaries.
A source close to the couple told MailOnline: ‘Sam and Zara have ended their relationship. It has been an incredibly difficult decision for them to separate, they still care and love each other very much.
“But after a tough year of working hard on their romance, they have broken up and will focus on their individual careers until 2025.
“There has been no scandal or consequences between them, it is just the result of a difficult year, in which they both had to spend a lot of time focused on their own projects.”
The couple were last seen together celebrating Zara’s birthday in December, where Sam dedicated an Instagram post to his girlfriend, calling her his “soulmate” and “best friend.”
Less than a week later, the former E4 star was pictured outside Stringfellows strip club on a 4am bender with TOWIE’s Pete Wicks.
Sam was in good spirits as he shared his first Instagram post since news of their split broke Wednesday morning.
Zara, who starred in last year’s Strictly Come Dancing, spent the run-up to the festive season without Sam as she was in Australia working on I’m A Celeb spin-off show Unpacked.
Zara has been living in Sam’s house in west London for years and the couple share two cats, Albus and Cedric.
They have a close relationship with Sam’s sister Louise, who lives next door to her fiancé Ryan Libbey and their three-year-old son Leo.
Sam, who hosts the Staying Relevant podcast with his close friend Pete, features Zara in his online content, and the pair often team up in viral Instagram and TikTok videos.
MailOnline has contacted Zara and Sam’s representatives for comment.
The couple struggled to make their relationship work after Sam won I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! last year and his work schedule doubled.
They laughed off claims their romance was in trouble in June after they were pictured arguing following Sam’s appearance at Soccer Aid.
That same month, Sam was pictured being “comforted” by Pete at the TRIC Awards amid growing tensions between him and Zara.
Sam volunteered for a charity on Christmas Day, while Zara spent the festive period with her close family.
Former King of the Jungle Sam celebrated New Year’s Eve by partying with his former Made In Chelsea co-stars Reza Amiri-Garroussi and Josh Patterson.
The former E4 star was filmed taking pictures and celebrating the New Year with a group of friends at Kensington Roof Gardens.
Binky Felstead’s former partner Josh joined Sam on Tuesday night as they celebrated the New Year.
Meanwhile, Zara wished her fans a Happy New Year from home, picturing one of her cats on the Instagram story.
After landing a new presenting job on ITV’s This Morning, Sam spent the end of 2024 in Australia co-presenting I’m A Celebrity spin-off Unpacked alongside Joel Domett and Kemi Rodgers.
Meanwhile, Zara, who found fame on Love Island in 2018, achieved her dreams by becoming a documentary maker for the BBC, fronting shows that explored revenge porn, eating disorders and rape culture.
The TV star also launched her first clothing brand last year called Rise, which is available to buy at F&F in Tesco, and has successfully collaborated with beauty brands including L’Oréal and Rio de Janeiro.
Zara became the first former Love Island contestant to be cast on Strictly Come Dancing last year, where she performed with fired professional dancer Graziano Di Prima.
The Italian dancer was sacked from the BBC series following allegations over his conduct towards Zara, who spoke of her “distressing” time in the training room.
Sam spent the end of 2024 in Australia presenting I’m A Celeb spin-off Unpacked after winning the ITV show last year.
Zara became the first former Love Island contestant to sign up for Strictly Come Dancing last year.
Dancer Graziano Di Prima was sacked from the BBC series following allegations over his conduct towards Zara, who spoke of her “distressing” time in the training room.
She said: “I have struggled with the fear of opening up, I was afraid of the public reaction, I was afraid of my future, I was afraid of shaming victims.”
“But after many conversations with loved ones, I have gained the strength to face these fears, and when I was asked to speak to the BBC, I spoke candidly about my time on the show.”
Graziano’s dismissal followed the departure of fellow dancer Giovanni Pernice, who faced a BBC investigation over his treatment of actress Amanda Abbington, with a total of six of 16 allegations against the professional confirmed.
Zara returned to the Strictly studios this year to support her friend Pete, who reached the semi-final of the competition.
Sam and Zara began dating after he sent her a private message on Instagram in 2019.
The couple is close with Sam’s sister Louise and her fiancé Ryan, as well as former TOWIE star Pete.
Sam and Zara began dating after he sent her a private message on Instagram in 2019, but they split the following year.
Their romance came to a brief end after Zara admitted to cheating on Sam during the early days of their relationship while appearing on Celebrity X Factor.
The radio host eventually forgave Zara during emotional scenes captured for Made In Chelsea, which the pair have since laughed at and even recreated.
Zara previously dated former Love Island contestant Adam Collard after they met on the show, while Sam enjoyed romances with his former Chelsea co-stars Sophie Habboo and Tiffany Watson.