Zara McDermott shocked fans last year when she announced her split from Sam Thompson in December. Now, fans are convinced they've spotted subtle hints she's moved on with someone new, who is also in the public eye.
Speculation is swirling that Zara is dating Louis Tomlinson, after internet users spotted a series of online 'clues' hinting at a relationship. The Sun reported that the claims started on Reddit, when Louis' fans noticed the pair had followed each other on Instagram. The plot thickened when they noticed that Louis' siblings Lottie and twins Daisy and Phoebe had started following Zara too.
One fan posted on Reddit: 'I've read a lot of rumours that Louis is in a relationship with Zara McDermott. They recently started to follow each other on Instagram. She follows all of his sisters, and they follow her back.'
The fan continued: 'Obviously, following a person on Instagram doesn't mean that people are in a relationship, lol, But, I just find it weird, and I am scared that this will be a new stunt. Especially since I've read about them many times. Louis is having a concert in London today, and I'm just waiting for Zara to be spotted there or that she post a story from the concert.'
However, others are less convinced that Louis and Zara could be a thing. 'Why is the sun claiming that louis and zara mcdermott are dating because they follow eachother?' one X user wrote. Others pointed out that the follow could be innocently connected to her documentary work - Zara has made documentaries in the past, and there have been rumours that the Tomlinson family might be keen to try their hand at documentaries, too.
One X user wrote: 'I think there is a documentary about the Tomlinson’s being produced since the sisters are interested in being England’s version of the Kardashians. Zara has worked on documentaries, maybe she is involved with that.' Others think the Instagram activity could be related to Zara's advocacy work. After experiencing revenge porn herself, Zara has been campaigning for legal reforms. One user shared: 'I've heard about the link with a documentary as well. Zara has been involved in a recent change in the law as it's now illegal to threaten to share images without someone's consent.'
Zara and Sam decided to call it quits in December, after five years together. A source at the time 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.'
As for whether she's moved on with Louis? Watch this space.
Grazia has contacted Zara's reps for comment.
Alice Hall is the Staff Writer at Grazia UK. She was previously a Junior Features Writer for The Daily Telegraph. At Grazia, she writes news and features about pop culture, dating, health, politics and interiors.