Hold on, are Louis Tomlinson and Zara McDermott actually dating? Here’s everything we know

Those scandalous rumours that Louis Tomlinson and Zara McDermott are dating have been given new life this week after people spotted them enjoying a luxury fish and chip dinner at a hotel in Suffolk.

Like many of you I kinda thought Sam Thompson and Zara McDermott were endgame but boy were we so wrong! That jarring news came on New Year’s Day when a source revealed that the five-year relationship had come to an end. They did not reveal the custody agreement of Pete Wicks.

“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,” an insider said at the time.

Zara and Sam’s breakup has remained somewhat mysterious ever since, and though Sam is yet to find another boo, it looks like Zara is moving on with One Direction’s Louis Tomlinson. Here’s what we know so far.

They followed one another on Instagram

📲 | Louis liked a post from Zara McDermott on Instagram! pic.twitter.com/nl6STuuHLt

— Louis Daily Promo (@louisdailypromo) March 1, 2025

People went into a meltdown in February when they spotted that Zara and Louis had followed one another on Instagram. Of course, this is not evidence of a relationship, but you try telling One Direction fans that. Soon enough, people also spotted him liking some of her posts, namely her Brits feather outfit.

The theory was given more weight when others spotted Louis’ three sisters, Lottie, Daisy and Phoebe, following Zara and her following them back.

They were recently snapped enjoying a date night

This week, Aldeburgh residents spotted the unlikely couple enjoying a spot of food at The Suffolk Hotel and pub. According to sources that spoke to The Sun, they splashed over £100 on fish, chips, and cocktails and “looked every bit the happy couple.”

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They explained: “Louis whisked Zara away for a break in Suffolk and he absolutely charmed her. It’s clear he thinks she’s drop-dead gorgeous too. Louis is a proper gentleman so this trip was something he planned and put on for Zara. He was really thoughtful and wanted to make it special. They share the same values and are both incredibly close with their families.

wait but fairs for louis and zara cuz she is so gorg

— miya (@iydkmiya) March 18, 2025

“Louis is very protective over his sisters and Zara is the same with her younger brother Brad. For now they’re taking things slowly and enjoying each other’s company to see where it takes them.”

Louis and Zara were allegedly “touching hands over the table” and giggling for most of the evening, and while most people kept their distance the source said Louis interacted with some of the more eager onlookers.

“Louis was a real gentleman and acknowledged his fans. People had noticed who they were but everyone kept a respectful distance,” they said.

Zara McDermott’s ex Sam Thompson seemingly reacted to the rumours

please stop sending me these pictures of my fiancé with another woman. This is not me and it's hard enough knowing this has happened without seeing it. Enough now https://t.co/KWtDxs5rkx

— oli 🌟 (@LOUIS0NMARS) March 18, 2025

Sam Thompson is yet to issue an official statement about the rumoured romance, but people think he made a subtle dig in a sitdown with Celebs Go Dating star Paul C Brunson.

On his podcast this week, Sam said: “Not much to be honest with you. I suppose a lot of people look for validation in other people and they look for the other person instantly to fill that hole. I can’t do that.”

Neither Louis nor Zara have explicitly confirmed the romance but they have been approached for comment.

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Featured image credit: David Fisher/Shutterstock & Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock