Louis Tomlinson, the beloved former One Direction member, is set to make headlines again in 2026—not only for his music, but also for his blossoming romance. As fans gear up for his highly anticipated How Did We Get Here? world tour, excitement is mounting around both his new album and his relationship with reality TV star Zara McDermott. With Tomlinson’s upcoming album How Did I Get Here? scheduled for release in late January 2026, and a world tour kicking off soon after, it’s shaping up to be a landmark year for the British pop star.
According to coverage from Metro UK and other outlets, Tomlinson and McDermott publicly confirmed their relationship in August 2025. The confirmation came via a heartfelt Instagram post from Zara, featuring a photo of the couple sharing a kiss. The simple love heart caption and Louis’s arm stretched out of frame (clearly the one snapping the shot) added an intimate, candid touch that immediately sent fans into a frenzy. The couple appeared to be on a sun-soaked getaway, with Louis sporting sunglasses and Zara in a ruffled white tank top layered over a swimsuit—proof that sometimes, the simplest moments are the most telling.
Their relationship had been the subject of speculation for months. Reports first linked the pair in March 2025, when they enjoyed a getaway to Aldeburgh, Suffolk in England. Eagle-eyed fans noticed both posted from the same location on April 8, while attending a Stereophonics concert. Just days later, Zara subtly hinted at their romance with a breakfast photo that included Louis’s unmistakable cross tattoo in the frame—a detail that did not escape the notice of devoted followers.
The hard launch on Instagram was only the beginning of their public story. Two months later, Tomlinson opened up about his relationship with McDermott in a candid interview with Steven Bartlett on The Diary of a CEO podcast, published on October 10, 2025. The nearly two-hour conversation covered everything from Tomlinson’s upbringing in Doncaster, England, to the emotional highs and lows of his career, including the devastating loss of his mother, his sister Félicité, and his bandmate Liam Payne. Yet, it was his reflections on love and creativity that struck a chord with listeners.
When asked about the influence of his relationship on his music, Tomlinson was refreshingly honest. "I’m a deeply, deeply romantic person. It’s also easy to be romantic when you are a creative… I really struggle to write in a fictional sense, I really struggle," he admitted. "For me, I have to have been living it, it has to be real to me. So, if I wasn’t feeling so good, like right now, I wasn’t feeling so in love… the record probably would have a slightly different feel to it." According to Tomlinson, his romance with McDermott has inspired a more optimistic, heartfelt tone for his upcoming album.
Fans are already speculating about which tracks might be directly inspired by Zara, whose own rise to fame has played out in the public eye. McDermott is well-known for her appearances on reality shows like Love Island and Made in Chelsea, as well as her popular TikTok content. Her previous five-year relationship with Sam Thompson, another Made in Chelsea alum, provided plenty of memorable moments for fans—including the infamous televised breakup that became a meme-worthy staple of reality TV lore. Despite the public scrutiny, McDermott has maintained a strong presence in the entertainment world, endearing herself to a new audience alongside Tomlinson.
Tomlinson’s romantic history has also been the subject of much tabloid attention. Before Zara, he was in an on-and-off relationship with model Eleanor Calder for eleven years, from 2011 to 2022. Following their split, he dated Briana Jungwirth, with whom he shares a son, and actress Danielle Campbell. The pop star’s willingness to share his personal journey—both the heartbreak and the happiness—has only strengthened the bond he shares with his fans.
But music remains at the heart of Tomlinson’s 2026 plans. The How Did We Get Here? world tour launches with a North American leg, beginning June 3 in Vancouver, British Columbia at the Pacific Coliseum. From there, Tomlinson will crisscross major cities including Seattle (June 4, Climate Pledge Arena), San Francisco (June 6, Bill Graham Civic Auditorium), Los Angeles (June 11, Crypto.com Arena), and Nashville (June 29, The Pinnacle). Other notable stops include Chicago, Boston, Detroit, New York’s iconic Madison Square Garden (July 8), and Miami’s Kaseya Center (July 24). The tour’s itinerary reads like a who’s who of North American music venues, promising fans an unforgettable live experience.
Tickets for the tour are already in high demand, with sales available through Ticketmaster, Vivid Seats, StubHub, Viagogo, and Seat Geek. For those looking to save a bit on the experience, Vivid Seats is offering a $20 discount on orders over $200 with the code AL20 at checkout—a small but welcome bonus for eager concertgoers.
Tomlinson’s upcoming album, How Did I Get Here?, is set for release on all major streaming platforms in late January 2026. The album’s title alone hints at a period of self-reflection and transformation, themes that have clearly been shaped by his recent life experiences. As Tomlinson explained on The Diary of a CEO, his songwriting is inextricably tied to his real emotions and personal growth. The new record is expected to capture this journey, offering fans a window into the artist’s evolving perspective.
The intersection of Tomlinson’s personal and professional lives has always fascinated fans, and 2026 is shaping up to be no exception. His openness about grief, love, and the creative process has resonated with listeners old and new. As he embarks on this new chapter—supported by a loving partner and a devoted fanbase—Tomlinson seems poised to deliver some of his most heartfelt work yet.
In a world where celebrity relationships often play out behind closed doors or through carefully curated social media posts, Tomlinson and McDermott’s willingness to share glimpses of their real connection feels both refreshing and authentic. With a new album on the horizon and a world tour set to ignite stadiums across North America, Louis Tomlinson is ready to remind everyone why he remains one of pop music’s most enduring—and endearing—stars.
