Real reason behind Zara McDermott and Sam Thompson’s split as ‘insecure’ pair clashed in secret rows
REALITY TV’s golden couple Zara McDermott and Sam Thompson split after she accused him of not prioritising their relationship, according to friends.
In a year of career highs, I’m A Celeb champion Sam became a darling of ITV, while Zara proved her talent as a BBC documentary-maker off the back of her Strictly success.
But behind the scenes, the popular pair struggled to paper over the insecurities and cracks in their five-year relationship – following a cheating scandal and family feuds.
A friend of the couple told The Sun: “Zara never felt like she was the priority with Sam. He always seemed to find someone or something to put before her.”
Pals say they were torn further apart as they clashed about their future plans – as Sam’s “immature” personality pushed him into the friendzone.
It led to them spending Christmas apart before calling off their relationship for good.
“Zara loved Sam, but things in the relationship weren’t right,” another source told us.
“They are both selfish in their own right and want to be successful in business as individuals – but of course that comes at a price.
“Sam is very childish – it’s even become a part of his ‘showbiz persona’ – but Zara feels as though she’s getting older and wants to start being taken more seriously.
“She knows she’ll want to start a family soon, but Sam thinks they’re both way too young and should focus on their careers.”
Sam dumped Zara in 2019 after finding out she’d cheated a year before with a music mogul friend of Simon Cowell, Brahim Fourad, while competing on The Celebrity X Factor.
Although they reconciled, it caused massive tension between the family – especially Sam’s sister, Made In Chelsea star Louise.
Our insider continued: “Sam’s family felt Zara didn’t make good choices and so they couldn’t see him with her long term.
“They’re both quite insecure and that came with its own issues. After her affair it built a wedge with Sam’s family and Sam looked at them for their approval. It was always an uphill battle to prove she had changed.
“Sadly they ended up growing apart rather than together and their relationship became more like friends who are housemates rather than lovers.”
Sam broke his silence on the split for the first time yesterday.
In the latest episode of his Staying Relevant podcast with Pete Wicks, Sam admitted about his Christmas. “It was tough. It’s been a tough month. A real tough month.”
Meanwhile Zara showed Sam what he’s missing as she posed in a stunning red dress while on a trip to Paris.
The Sun has reached out to Zara and Sam’s reps.