Sam Thompson has opened up about his emotional struggles following his breakup from Zara McDermott. The end of their five-year relationship was confirmed publicly back in January 2025, leaving fans heartbroken and curious about how both parties are coping.
During his podcast, Staying Relevant, the 32-year-old Made in Chelsea star candidly discussed his feelings with relationship coach Paul Brunson. Sam revealed, "I thought I was OK. But apparently not. A lot of people are saying 'Please help Sam'." His vulnerability has prompted significant concern from his followers, many of whom say they see sadness behind his eyes.
Sam compared his current emotional state to being on an airplane where the pilot has passed out: "I'm terrified about where I am going, Paul. The way I see it, I am a plane and the pilot has passed out in the cockpit and they are like, 'Does anyone know how to fly a plane?'" Paul Brunson responded with practical advice, encouraging Sam to cultivate self-love as part of his healing process.
Although the couple first confirmed their relationship back in May 2019 and became Instagram official just months later, the barriers between them became insurmountable over time. A source indicated to The Daily Mail, “Sam and Zara have ended their relationship. It’s been an incredibly difficult decision for them to part ways; they still care and have a lot of love for each other.”
Following their split, it appears both are attempting to navigate their new lives independently. Zara, who recently bought a £500,000 home nearby, has been spotted with other celebrities such as Lucien Laviscount at the Brit Awards. Reports also suggest she could be moving on with One Direction star Louis Tomlinson.
Despite all this, Sam remains focused on his own emotional health. Aching from the recent separation, he has tried to inject humor back onto his Instagram feed. Sporting a Hufflepuff costume, Sam shared, "I wonder what he’s been up to since the breakup?" poking fun at his situation.
His attempts at levity are underrated as he still seeks to understand the emotional toll of his breakup. During his session with Paul, Sam disclosed his fears and challenges associated with self-esteem, stating, "Not much to be honest with you" when asked about self-love practices. Paul reminded him, "Self-love is like the roots of the tree, and self-esteem is like the trunk of the tree," underlining how foundational confidence is to healing.
The pressure of moving forward without getting caught up immediately in new romantic pursuits is palpable. Paul advised him against quickly replacing his previous relationship, arguing, "Without self-worth, and without self-esteem, we enter horrible relationships." Sam acknowledged this insight and implied he recognizes it’s time to invest more effort in healing.
Fans around Sam have expressed their concerns over his well-being, as social media highlighted his lows after the breakup. One follower noted, "I don’t like seeing Sam this sad; please come back to your chirpy self soon, we love you, Sam." Despite the outpouring of support, Sam’s blend of grief and levity paints the full picture of his emotional complexity.
Looking to the future, it seems Sam is balancing his personal struggles with career-related ambitions. He is gearing up for the live podcast tour of Staying Relevant with pal Pete Wicks, which is expected to launch later this year. Fans will be eager to see the return of his upbeat persona on stage, even as he navigates this transition.
Sam's candidness about his mental state following his breakup with Zara serves as both reassurance for fans and as insightful reflection on moving through trauma. With humor and humility, he embraces the road to self-improvement, bridging the gap between sorrow and strength.
