All the signs we missed that Zara McDermott and Sam Thompson were heading for split

Zara McDermott and Sam Thompson have parted ways – and whilst I’m shocked, I’m not surprised. After five years of dating, the couple called it quits on New Year’s Day, with a source confirming to MailOnline that there was “no scandal or fall out between them” but that they endured a “tough year” of working on their relationship.

The couple stayed strong despite infidelity and each of them appearing on huge TV gameshows including I’m A Celebrity and Strictly Come Dancing.

Here are all the signs we missed that Zara McDermott and Sam Thompson were heading for split.

They allegedly spent Christmas apart

The ex-couple were said to have spent Christmas apart after Sam agreed to volunteer for a charity on Christmas Day.

Zara instead spent the festive day with her close family in Upminster, Essex. In a wholesome post on Instagram, she posed with her grandparents and congratulated them on their 69th wedding anniversary.

Zara wrote: “69 years married on Christmas Day. They married in 1955, on Christmas Day. They had no money and knew that the families will always get together on Christmas, so they thought two birds one stone…

“They have been together since they were 19 and 21 years old. The definition of true love and companionship.”

Sam partied on New Year’s Eve while Zara stayed in

Christmas was another sign of Zara McDermott and Sam Thompson’s split.

The pair allegedly spent New Year’s Eve apart, with Sam partying with his Made In Chelsea friends Josh Patterson and Reza Amiri-Garroussi, as well as spending time with his close friend Pete Wicks.

In pictures shared of their night out, Sam could be seen downing shots and swinging on a pole in just a pair of boxers.

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Filmed by MIC cast member Reza Amiri-Garroussi, Sam also stood in London’s Kensington Roof Gardens and made a toast, where he said it would be a “memorable evening” and told the group he was lucky to be spending New Year with them.

Meanwhile, Zara was said to have stayed home with their two cats, Albus and Cedric.

Zara didn’t join Sam while he worked away for weeks

Sam recently flew out to Aus to film I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, but Zara didn’t join him. She explained at the time that this was due to work commitments as she is currently filming her documentary. Responding to someone online who asked her whereabouts during the show, Zara wrote: “You guys are funny. I’ve had this question so many times!

“Well firstly I’m filming my documentary about stalking at the moment and it’s really not possible to take time off filming at short notice.”

She added that the time difference between working hours would make it tricky for her to join Sam, but said: “Let’s see, if he ends up going back next year for another season then I’ll definitely go out there if I can.”

They reunited on Sam’s return, celebrating Zara’s birthday, where Sam wrote he had “missed [her] over the past month”.

Their busy work schedules meant they were able to spend less time together

Following Sam being crowned King of the I’m A Celebrity Jungle back in 2023, his work schedule grew substantially. This, along with Zara’s growing success as a documentary host, resulted in them spending a lot of time working on projects of their own.

On top of co-hosting the I’m A Celebrity spinoff Unpacked alongside Joel Dommett and Kemi Rodgers, Sam also earned a role on This Morning.

The pair were photographed in a heated discussion in June

via Instagram @zara_mcdermott

Sam and Zara were photographed chatting in what appeared to be a heated argument earlier this year. Stood outside the Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington, Zara could be seen chatting in an animated manner and pointing, whilst Sam stood facing her and with his arms crossed.

Zara later shared the photo on her Instagram Story, where she explained the context behind the photo and reassured viewers that they were actually engaging in “passionate” conversation.

Captioning the photo, she wrote: “Why did this make me laugh so much btw [laughing emojis]. ‘Stop saying you should have scored!!!! You did your best and that’s all that matters!! You need to stop doubting yourself!!!’

“It looks like we are having an argument but I’m actually telling him positive affirmations in a very passionate manner.”

Zara admitted to cheating on Sam earlier in their relationship

Amid all the signs we missed in the Zara Mcdermott and Sam Thompson split, the pair’s brief break up back in 2019 is of note, when Zara admitted to cheating on Sam the same year they got together.

Zara addressed the situation at the time, writing 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.

“All I want to do is make this right and I think the least he deserves is me being honest with myself and all of you. I love you Sam. Forever x”.

She also shared multiple posts online begging for Sam to take her back, including a soppy video where she wrote: “I am sorry our journey hasn’t been the easiest, and I am forever wishing I could find a way to turn back the clock.

“Remember… you are everything. You are my moon and all my stars and everything in between.  I miss you. I love you more and more every day.”

The pair rekindled their romance after Sam forgave her and agreed to take her back.