Sam Thompson and Zara McDermott are rumoured to have split up after five years together, according to new reports. While the couple haven't confirmed a split, a source close to the couple told MailOnline they've been working hard on their relationship for a year, but the pair have officially broken up after drifting apart.
The source told MailOnline: '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 into 2025.'
Another source told the newspaper they never recovered from Zara cheating on the former Made in Chelsea star in 2019. The 32-year-old initially broke up with the ex-Love Islander, 28, but took her back after she publicly apologised and posted a video montage dedicated to the 'love of [her] life.'
A friend reportedly told MailOnline: 'Zara and Sam's relationship just never had felt like it was heading for the long haul. They never really recovered from Zara's cheating, most couples would have struggled lasting for as long as they did afterwards. Zara had some big making up to do, especially with Louise, she really wasn't happy when Sam took her back.'
Sam and Zara met through Instagram, with the former Love Islander sliding into Sam's DMs.
After news of her cheating broke, Zara said on Instagram: 'A huge mistake I made a year ago has recently come to light and I want to face this head on. I don't condone being unfaithful and I made a huge mistake at a time in my life where I was hugely selfish and immature. I believe I have learnt so much from my mistake. I want to apologise to my Sam for everything I have put him through, for the pain, the embarrassment, the anger and the hurt.'
The couple were last seen together in December celebrating Zara's birthday, when Sam also dedicated an Instagram post to his girlfriend, calling her his 'soulmate' and 'best friend'.
But the pair spent New Year's Eve separately, with Sam celebrating with his with his former Made In Chelsea co-stars Reza Amiri-Garroussi and Josh Patterson at London's Kensington Roof Gardens. Zara has been living with Sam in his West London home for several years, along with their two cats, Albus and Cedric.