Title: Sam Thompson Discusses Grief Stages Amid Zara McDermott’s Relationship with Louis Tomlinson, Admitting Loneliness Post-‘Failed Romance’

Revised Title:
"Sam Thompson Opens Up About Grief Stages Following Zara McDermott’s Romance with Louis Tomlinson, Admits Loneliness After ‘Failed Romance’"

Key Adjustments:

• Replaced "addresses" with "opens up about" for a more conversational tone.
• Simplified "moves on with" to "romance with" for brevity.
• Restructured clauses to enhance flow while retaining quotes around "failed romance" as in the original.

Sam Thompson Opens Up About Heartbreak After Zara McDermott Moves On with Louis Tomlinson
(Approx. 600 words)

[Image: Sam Thompson on his podcast, looking reflective]
Caption: Sam Thompson discussed his split from Zara McDermott on his podcast, "Staying Relevant."

Sam Thompson, 32, has candidly addressed navigating the “five stages of grief” following his split from ex-fiancée Zara McDermott, 28, who has since moved on with One Direction’s Louis Tomlinson, 33. The former Made in Chelsea star revealed his emotional journey during a recent episode of his podcast, Staying Relevant, with relationship expert Paul Brunson.

MailOnline first reported the couple’s breakup in December 2023 after five years together. Sam admitted to feeling “lonely” post-split, emphasizing the importance of self-reflection. “You should take time to sit with your feelings—anger, disgust, fear, surprise, and happiness,” he shared. “Understand how to love yourself before jumping back into dating.”

[Image: Zara McDermott and Louis Tomlinson on a dinner date]
Caption: Zara and Louis sparked romance rumors after being spotted at a Suffolk restaurant.

The I’m A Celebrity winner humorously related to a fan’s question about recovering from a 20-year marriage ending, quipping, “They’ve written this one for me.” Paul Brunson praised Sam’s maturity, advising, “It’s one thing to be lonely; it’s another to feel lonely in a relationship.”

Sam also received dating app tips from Brunson, Tinder’s Global Relationship Science Expert, who stressed the need for genuine photos and detailed profiles. Sam joked about updating his Raya profile, adding, “I made Pete [Wicks] an ashtray last week—great hobby shot!”

[Image: Sam Thompson and Zara McDermott during their relationship]
Caption: Sam and Zara dated for five years before their January 2024 split.

Reports suggest Sam reactivated his Raya profile shortly after the breakup, with a source noting he’s “enjoying himself” but avoiding serious commitments. Meanwhile, Zara’s romance with Louis, revealed earlier this week, has reportedly “put a smile back on her face.” The pair were photographed during a cozy £100 fish-and-chips dinner at a Suffolk hotel, fueling speculation from fans who’d noticed Louis liking her Instagram posts.

[Image: Louis Tomlinson performing on stage]
Caption: Louis Tomlinson, former One Direction member, is now dating Zara.

Despite Sam’s initial shock, friends say he holds “no hard feelings” toward Louis. Both men are set to play in June’s Soccer Aid charity match, potentially leading to an awkward encounter. A source close to Sam shared, “He’s focusing on work and moving forward. It’s tough seeing an ex move on quickly, but he’s not wallowing.”

Zara’s friends describe her new relationship as “early days but going well,” emphasizing her joy after the “transactional” end of her long-term romance. Sam, currently on a lads’ trip to Italy, was informed of Zara’s new relationship before it went public.

[Image: Sam Thompson enjoying a night out with friends]
Caption: Sam has been spending time with pals, including Pete Wicks, post-split.

While Sam navigates single life with humor and podcasts, Zara and Louis aim to keep their romance private. As both parties embrace fresh starts, fans await their next moves—and a possible Soccer Aid showdown.

Word count: ~600