Former TOWIE star Pete Wicks has addressed the blossoming romance between his close friend Sam Thompson's ex-girlfriend Zara McDermott and One Direction singer Louis Tomlinson. The relationship has captured the attention of fans and media alike, especially after the couple was spotted holding hands during a romantic outing in Malibu.
Wicks, who has developed a strong bond with Thompson while co-hosting the Staying Relevant podcast, shared his thoughts on the new couple during his recent appearance on KISS Breakfast with Olivia Attwood. "I know them, I have a slight 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," he said, hinting at his mixed feelings about the situation.
His comments come on the heels of a public confirmation of Zara and Louis's relationship, which began circulating last month after they were first spotted together. The couple was seen enjoying a lunch date at Soho Beach House in Malibu, where they were photographed smiling and holding hands, clearly enjoying each other's company.
Reports indicate that Zara, 28, and Louis, 33, have been dating since her split from Sam Thompson, 32, in December after a five-year relationship. While the exact reasons for the breakup remain somewhat private, sources have indicated that Zara felt she was not a priority in Sam's life.
As Zara moves on, she appears to have found happiness with Louis, who is said to have introduced her to his family. A friend of Louis shared with The Sun, "Zara has already met all the family and they can tell that she has made Louis giddy. It’s the first time in a long time that they have seen him happy." This sentiment was echoed by another friend who stated, "Zara is so happy, it’s early days with her and Louis but everything is going well between them."
In the meantime, Sam has also begun to explore new romantic possibilities. Recently spotted on the celebrity dating app Raya, he has sparked rumors of a potential interest in All Stars Islander Samie Elishi, as they were seen following each other on Instagram. The former Made in Chelsea star has also been linked to Netflix star Lucy Syed, indicating he is ready to re-enter the dating scene.
Despite the changes in their relationships, Sam has yet to publicly comment on Zara's new romance. However, he did share a cryptic message on social media about validation in relationships, suggesting he is taking time for self-reflection. "People look for validation in others to fill that hole," he remarked, indicating he is not rushing into a new relationship.
As for Zara and Louis, their relationship seems to be progressing rapidly. Their first public appearance together occurred last month at a hotel restaurant in Aldeburgh, where they were seen enjoying a cozy dinner. Since then, they have been spotted together at various events, including a Stereophonics concert at The Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles, where both shared videos from the same location on social media.
According to sources, the couple is exclusive and not seeing anyone else, further solidifying their commitment to one another. "Louis is totally smitten with Zara and she feels the same about him," a source revealed, highlighting the depth of their connection.
As the couple continues to navigate their new relationship, fans are eager to see how their story unfolds. With both Zara and Sam moving on, the dynamics of their friendships and romantic lives are bound to shift, keeping followers of the reality TV stars engaged and curious.
In a world where relationships can often be fleeting, Zara and Louis appear to be enjoying the initial thrill of dating, while Sam takes his time to rediscover himself after a significant relationship. With friendships like those of Pete Wicks and Sam Thompson, the reality TV landscape remains as vibrant and unpredictable as ever.
