Overview

• Louise Thompson publicly refuted fan speculation by declaring on the Staying Relevant podcast that she “really adored” her brother Sam’s ex-girlfriend Zara McDermott.
• During the episode she advised Sam to date someone with a normal job outside the media space to ensure compatibility and family harmony.
• Zara McDermott has been in a relationship with One Direction’s Louis Tomlinson since March 2025, with the couple largely keeping their romance out of the spotlight.
• Sam Thompson, who ended his five-year relationship with Zara in December 2024, is now dating Love Island alum Samie Elishi.
• On his podcast, Sam admitted he felt “a wave of panic” at the prospect of encountering Louis Tomlinson during the Soccer Aid charity match.