Everything We Know About I'm a Celebrity's Sam Thompson & Girlfriend Zara McDermott

Unless you've been living under a rock for the last few months, you'll be well aware of how loved-up Sam Thompson and Zara McDermott are right now. From gushing publically about each other, to discussing their future plans, these two are cute-as, and it's been a pretty big year for the pair of them. 

Sam Thompson has just been crowned King of the Jungle in this year's I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here after winning over the nation with his unapologetically enthusiastic and positive attitude. And his girlfriend Zara has also taken centre stage on UK TV screens, appearing on this year's Strictly Come Dancing. 

Zara became the fifth celebrity to be voted off in October, but did herself and her partner Sam proud. 

As like any long-term relationship, Sam Thompson and Zara McDermott have had their fair share of ups and downs, but have come out of it stronger than ever. 

Sam Thompson & Girlfriend Zara McDermott: A Complete Relationship Timeline

Proving that they're made from stronger stuff than most, Sam and Zara have become one of those reality TV couples who stay together. Maybe the key is dating someone from a different reality TV show to the one you starred on?

From sliding into his DMs and making the first move, to moving into their London pad together, this couple have proved that resilience, forgiveness and trust really are everything. So, let's take a closer look at Sam Thompson and Zara McDermott's relationship from day one, until now. 

Who is Sam Thompson?

Sam Thompson is a British reality TV star-turned radio host who has been in the public eye for a decade. Sam first burst onto our screens when he debuted on Made in Chelsea back in 2013 in the show's fifth series. Sam joined the show as the younger brother of MIC original, Louise Thompson, and found himself at the centre of numerous storylines over the years. 

Sam is 30 years old, soon to be 31 this August, and for anyone wondering where he lives, the clue is in the name of his first ever show. Of course, Sam Thompson lives in Chelsea's prestigious SW3 neighbourhood. He and girlfriend Zara have lived there since 2021, next door to his sister Louise and her partner Ryan. 

As well as Made in Chelsea, Sam has also featured on a number of other reality TV shows including Celebrity Big Brother, Celebs Go Dating, Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins and Celebrity Coach Trip, to name just a few. 

In more recent years, his career has pivoted from reality TV gigs to social media fame and radio hosting. He began hosting a Sunday show on Hits Radio in 2022 and also launched his own podcast, Staying Relevant with best friend Pete Wicks.

He is well known for his hilarious social media videos with girlfriend Zara McDermott and bestie Pete, and his obsession with all things Love Island. His obsession with the reality show (that his girlfriend so happened to feature on!) has now become a full-time job for him.

In January 2023, Love Island announced that Sam would be a regular panellist on Love Island: Aftersun along with ex-contestant Indiyah Polak. The show also announced that Sam and Indiyah would also co-host their podcast, Love Island: The Morning After.

Proving 2023 is the year of Sam Thompson, Hitched Radio also offered him a full time radio presenting gig with them, but he had to take a short break from recording for a very special TV appearance. 

Sam entered the I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here jungle for the 2023 series alongside big names in politics, show business, music and more. Rumours suggest Sam was paid on the lower end of the scale in comparison to some of his big-name campmates, but that didn't stop him taking the win and being crowned King of the Jungle 2023. 

Sam won over the public with his infectious personality and loving friendships with pretty much everyone in the jungle. He spoke so openly and honestly about his ADHD diagnosis and many social media supporters hailed him a hero and role model for people with ADHD as he was truly and unapologetically himself. 

Who is Zara Mcdermott?

Love Island's Zara McDermott is a reality TV star who shot to fame following her appearance on the ITV dating show in 2018 when she was just 21 years old. Zara appeared on series four of Love Island alongside stars such as Eyal Booker, Megan Barton-Hanson, Dani Dyer, Jack Fincham, Dr Alex George and Zara's ex boyfriend Adam Collard.

During her time on the show, Zara was coupled up with Adam Collard, but the pair split shortly after leaving the villa.

Now 26 years old, Zara has left her days in reality TV behind, in favour of an office job. Before she entered the Love Island villa and took on life as a reality TV star, Zara, originally from Essex, worked as a policy advisor for the Department of Education. 

Following her stint on Love Island, Zara went on to host Love in the Flesh and appeared in a few seasons of Made in Chelsea with boyfriend Sam Thompson. She's also fronted a string of hard-hitting documentaries focussing on issues close to her heart. Zara McDermott's documentary portfolio includes Revenge Porn, Disordered Eating and Uncovering Rape Culture.

Her job now sees her back in an office, working on new shows for this year, however she did take a break from filming to appear on our screens in a slightly different capacity.

Zara took part in this year's Strictly Come Dancing with partner Graziano Di Prima. The couple had a great run, with Zara showing great progress in the show, until she became the fifth person to be voted out in late October. 

Sam Thompson & Girlfriend Zara McDermott's Full Relationship Timeline

Sam Thompson and Zara McDermott have been dating since 2019, but their relationship has had its fair share of ups and downs. From cheating scandals to cute couples challenges, these two have overcome an obstacle or two to say the least - so let's take a look back at their relationship right from the very beginning, to where it is now. 

February 2019 - Zara McDermott is Newly Single

After eight months together, Zara and her Love Island co-star Adam Collard announce they have parted ways in February 2019. Zara is officially single and on the market, but not for too long. 

May 2019 - Zara Slides Into Sam's DMs

After spotting something she likes on social media, Zara slides into Sam's DMs and the pair begin chatting. Zara made the first move, and it certainly impressed Sam.

June 2019 - Sam and Zara Go Instagram Official

After just over a month of dating, Zara and Sam go Instagram official, posting their first picture together. 

October 2019 - Zara Joins Made in Chelsea Cast

In August 2019, it's confirmed that Zara will join the cast of Made in Chelsea for series 18 of the show, which later aired that October, Sam introduces Zara to his then ex-best friend Jamie. The pair aren't on the best terms after Jamie announces he's dating Sam's ex Habbs. Little did we all know that Jamie Laing and Sophie Habboo would later marry - and Sam and girlfriend Zara would be at the wedding!

November 2019 - Zara Takes Part in Celebrity X Factor

In November that year, Zara announced that she will join her fellow Love Island castmates, Wes Nelson, Samira Mighty and Eyal Booker on the first and only series of X Factor: Celebrity. This causes Sam and Zara to spend an extended amount of time apart and puts a strain on their relationship.

July 2020 - Sam and Zara Holiday Together

Seemingly more loved up than ever, Sam whisks Zara away for their first proper holiday together as a couple. The pair enjoy the sun in Mykonos in July 2020, posting a stream of loved-up pictures whilst out there. 

September 2020 - Sam and Zara Break Up

The honeymoon period was officially over for Sam and Zara in September 2020. The couple split after rumours that Zara had cheated on Sam during her time on X Factor: Celebrity were found to be true. Zara and Sam's breakup was publicised on the winter series of Made in Chelsea, and Zara later posted a statement to her Instagram apologising to Sam and gushing about his character.

December 2020 - Sam and Zara Get Back Together

Proving all the doubters wrong, Sam and Zara found a way to reconcile at the end of 2020. In a statement to MailOnline, Sam said, "I believe in forgiveness. I understand the context – and I think in any walk of life you can't move forward unless you forgive. Forgiveness allows you to heal.

"You can only heal when you forgive the other person and get over that. I would definitely say no matter what you should always try to forgive and you'll feel better in yourself – it's easier said than done but you've got to strive for that"

Early 2021 - The Couple Move in Together

And we're so happy they did, because since then, Sam and Zara's relationship has gone from strength to strength. The pair moved in together in 2021 and haven't looked back since. They are now one of social media's most loved (and loved-up!) couples, with their hilarious couples memes and challenges going viral on a weekly occasion. 

October 2023 - Zara Appears on Strictly Come Dancing

Zara and partner Graziano partnered up for this year's Strictly Come Dancing. The pair performed well in the series, but tough competition saw them become the fifth couple to be eliminated.

December 2023 - Sam is Crowned King of the Jungle

Sam won over an entire nation during his time in I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here and saw himself being crowned as King of the Jungle ahead of runner up Tony Bellew, with Nigel Farage coming third.

Along with their funny tricks and reels, the pair also regularly post public praise for each other, and share affectionate posts about their relationship - so much so, that we're pretty sure a celebrity engagement ring is only around the corner.

You heard it here first! Now, while we wait for their wedding planning journey to begin, check out Olivia Attwood and Bradley Dack's London wedding.