Zara McDermott has sparked romance speculation with Emily in Paris heartthrob Lucien Laviscount following her split from Sam Thompson. The 28-year-old was spotted chatting and dancing with Lucien, 32, at the BRIT Awards over the weekend of March 1st and 2nd, 2025, where they sat together for the entire night.
An onlooker shared with MailOnline, "Lucien was making his move. He was chatting her up all night, whispering in her ear and dancing with her. He seemed really smitten. Zara clearly enjoyed his company as she couldn’t stop smiling and laughing." The tantalizing details of their interaction raised eyebrows, especially since Sam Thompson, Zara's ex-boyfriend, was seated just tables away at the event, alongside his friends Pete Wicks and Olivia Attwood.
Despite the flirty atmosphere, Zara's representative has “categorically denied” any romance between her and Laviscount. This denial follows Zara’s split from Sam, which was first reported back in December 2024 after five years together. Shortly after their breakup, Zara confirmed she had moved out of their Fulham home, emphasizing the couple's mutual desire to focus on their individual careers going forward.
A source had previously revealed, “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. But after a tough year of working hard at their romance, they have split and will be focusing on their individual careers going forward.” Details also emerged about how their demanding schedules had taken a toll on their relationship.
Attendees at the BRIT Awards commented on Zara and Lucien’s chemistry, with visuals circulating on social media showcasing their jovial interactions including laughing and dancing to Sabrina Carpenter’s performance. Dressed in matching white outfits, they were seen sharing what appeared to be intimate moments throughout the night, leading to speculation about the potential for new love.
Meanwhile, as their romance began to trend, Sam, who was noticeably present at the ceremony, engaged with friends but reportedly appeared somewhat sheepish. Despite attending one of the most-watched events of the year, all eyes were on Zara as reports detailed her bright feathered gown with a daring thigh-high split, which beautifully complemented Lucien's attire. The public's fascination only grew with videos showcasing their playful banter.
Interestingly, Lucien Laviscount himself has been no stranger to relationships. The actor was previously linked to global music star Shakira after they were seen together on the set of her music video last year. His past romances include names like Jesy Nelson, Kelly Osbourne, and others, making this new rumored connection with Zara not just gossip among fans but captivating entertainment news.
Though Zara and Sam have yet to directly address the nature of their breakup, Sam hinted at some underlying reasons for their split during his recent appearance on Love Island’s The Morning After podcast. He observed how his sister, Louise, often asks him about his breakups, implying there may have been more complexity to their relationship than meets the eye. “Most of the time when we break up, it's my fault and she'll ask, ‘WHAT have you done? But, ‘It's not even me!’” his remarks suggest hints of blame, though he refrained from naming Zara directly.
Since their breakup, both stars have been pouring their energy back to work. Sam Thompson has been lined up for multiple television projects, including the Love Island podcast, showcasing his resilience and adaptability amid personal turbulence. On the other hand, Zara has been working on a new documentary for BBC3 based out of Thailand, illustrating her commitment to her career.
Though their paths are diverging, both Zara and Sam appear to be managing their newfound singlehood with determination and focus, promising their fans updates on their professional journeys. Whether or not Zara and Lucien may evolve from flirty banter to something more remains to be seen, but for now, their dance at the BRIT Awards has certainly set the table for speculation.
While tabloids speculate about Zara and Lucien's future, it's clear both want to navigate their directions after years of public relationships, prioritizing their growth first as individuals. The unexpected sighting at the BRIT Awards is merely the latest chapter, and many are eager to see how these relationships develop amid both career pursuits and personal explorations.
With Sam’s sister Louise as his steadfast support system and Zara engaging back on the entertainment scene, this season of change promises to be transformative for both stars. The public watches, but neither is backing down from the spotlight or their commitment to personal success.