Zara McDermott may have previously been known as the star of the Island of love, Filmed in Chelsea and from her own powerful BBC documentary, but over the next few weeks she will be known as one of the stars taking part in this year’s series of Strictly Come Dancing.
The reality star and former civil servant was joined by Graziano Di Prima last week during the official launch of 21 Strictly, and they both looked delighted to be dancing with each other.
WATCH: Zara McDermott and Griziano Di Prima make a hilarious TikTok during Strictly rehearsals
We can’t wait to see Zara’s moves on the dance floor and she will no doubt have the support of her family, friends and her boyfriend Sam Thompson, who has been supportive of her journey since entering the BBC’s Latin American and Dance competition.
Don’t miss…
Sam and Zara have been dating for several years and are the picture of romance, but their relationship was not the easiest. The now solid couple did indeed face a headline-grabbing issue a few years ago, but thankfully, they seem to be stronger than ever.
Here’s everything you need to know about the timeline of their romance…
MORE: Amy Dowden shaves head amid cancer treatment in emotional video: ‘I did everything I could to save her’
MORE: Strictly’s Adam Thomas shares candid post about ‘tough day’ ahead of first live show
© Jeff SpicerSam Thompson and Zara McDermott started dating in 2019.
When did Zara McDermott and Sam Thompson start dating?
Zara and Sam Thompson began dating in early 2019, shortly after the blonde beauty ended her engagement on Island of love in which she was involved with self-confessed ladies’ man, Adam Collard.
At that time, Sam, Made in Chelsea regular, was in a relationship with a colleague MIC cast member Sophie Habboo (now married to fellow MIC and Strictly alumna Jamie Laing), but it wasn’t long before Zara and Sam became official and Zara soon joined the cast of the E4 reality show.
© Ricky VigilZara McDermott and Sam Thompson taken in 2019.
Why did Zara McDermott and Sam Thompson break up?
Zara and Sam hit it off in late 2019 when reports began circulating that Zara had been cheating on Sam while competing in X-Factor: Celebrity with music boss, Brahim Fouradi.
Former Island of love the star initially denied the allegations, but then posted a heartfelt confessional message on social media in October 2020 when news of the affair became public.
In the same month, the pair’s heartbreaking one-on-one conversation was shown on screen in an episode of Made in Chelsea in which Zara begged Sam for forgiveness. The clip has now become a bit of a meme and, thankfully, the couple have since seen the funny side.
© gettyZara McDermott
Who is Brahim Fouradi?
Brahim Fouradi is a music director and talent boss who has previously worked closely with artists appearing on The X factor. Brahim, whose job was A&R director for Syco (Simon Cowell’s company), met Zara in 2019 when she participated in the All-Star version of the singing program.
Brahim has since left his role at Syco and, according to the Sun, has moved to the Netherlands.
Strictly Come Dating: couples who met on the dance floor
Besides Gemma and Gorka, there are several other couples in love who met during their time on Strictly…
- Janette Manrara and Aljaz Škorjanec met on Strictly in 2010, before marrying in 2017 and welcoming baby Lyra in 2023.
- Rachel Riley and Pasha Kovalev met during the series in 2013. They got married in 2019 and have two children together.
- Dianne Buswell and Joe Sugg fell in love during the competition in 2018. They live together in Brighton.
- Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton met in 2018, and in 2023 they had a baby girl, Minnie.
- Max George and Maisie Smith shared their Strictly 2020 experience together, but didn’t go public with their relationship until 2022.
- Tyler West and Molly Rainford starred together in 2022 and have been going strong ever since!
- Kai Widdrington and Nadiya Bychkova are both professionals on the show and started dating in 2022.
- Kristina Rihanoff and Ben Cohen were partners in the show in 2013, confirming their romance in 2014. Together they have a daughter, Mila, born in 2018.
When did Zara McDermott and Sam Thompson reunite?
At the end of 2020, Zara continued to prove that her ex-boyfriend can trust her to move on. Although he was initially hesitant, Sam decided to forgive Zara and they moved on together as a couple working through their issues.
The following year, they moved in together and today they are adored by their followers for their hilarious TikToks! Sam and Zara live in a beautiful house in Chelsea, London, which happens to be next door to his sister Louise.
What did Zara and Sam say about their relationship?
Zara and Sam seem keen to put the past behind them and move forward, with fans even convinced the Made in Chelsea star could soon get down on one knee.
Meanwhile, discussing the so-called Strictly curse, Sam gave his take on Zara’s participation in the BBC competition: “She was 22 [when it happened] so young. You know when you look at them and say, ‘She’s not going to do that again.’ I could see it in her face.”
Earlier in the summer, Zara posted an adorable tribute to Sam in honor of his birthday. Sharing some cute snaps from their time together, she wrote: “HAPPY BIRTHDAY SAMMY. You taught me not to take life too seriously. You taught me that laughter is the best medicine, always. You are seriously one in a million in every way. I really don’t know what I would do without you… I absolutely adore you beyond words. I love you endlessly.”
Categories: Entertaintment
Source: HIS Education