Sam Thompson has opened up about a recent first date as his ex Zara McDermott moves on with One Direction’s Louis Tomlinson.
The former Made in Chelsea star, 32, split from girlfriend of five years Zara, 28, earlier this year, with her now confirming her romance with One Direction star Louis Tomlinson.
The pair reportedly called it quits in December, which allegedly came as the result of a difficult year, with both focusing on individual projects.
Months on from their breakup, Sam has spoken about moving on and going on a first date, as he confessed his close friend, former Towie star Pete Wicks, has been a huge help.
‘I went on the first date that I’ve had since I’ve been single recently, and I was so nervous that I messaged Pete, and it was the sweetest thing ever, but Pete basically sent me a list of what I had to do,’ he said on the Staying Relevant podcast.
He revealed that he arrived 40 minutes early for the date, and after Pete’s advice, Sam ordered her a drink that was ready for her when she arrived.
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‘I was absolutely terrified,’ he said. ‘But you know what? There’s so many things that Pete gave me in that little snippet of advice.
‘That’s what Pete’s so good at. He literally gave me a play-by-play of what he, she walks in, I gave her a kiss on the cheek. I had a glass of wine waiting for her.
‘I told her she looked lovely. I went, ‘here’s to a great date’. She sat down and we were off.’
Sam added that he thought dating was ‘fun’ when it was going ok. But he said the ‘first part’ of the date was stressful.
He added that his date also overheard him tell someone on the phone that she looked ‘beautiful.’
Pete then asked Sam about his plans to ‘glow-up’ following his breakup.
‘Oh, God, I think I’ve done everything I can do,’ Sam joked. ‘I’ve done whatever it is that I can do, because I’m aware that I looked like f*****g shit.’
‘No, no, I am aware of that. I’ve looked at photos, I’ve looked at videos, I’ve been like, my God, you’re a piece of s***.
‘It was a pretty tough time back then. I was thinking “God, you really let yourself go.”‘
He added that he’s now feeling more confident: ‘Now I’ve got myself to a place where I’m like, I feel like I’m happy and I’m comfortable in my own skin again, if you know what I mean.’
Since the breakup, Sam has reportedly been exchanging flirty messages with series nine Love Island contestant Samie Elishi, 25.
Insiders have claimed it’s early days between the stars, but they are getting to know each other and enjoying one another’s company.
Zara is already in a relationship and confirmed her romance with Louis after the pair were snapped together in Malibu, California, during Coachella.
Reports have suggested that Zara has already been introduced to Louis’ family, including his makeup artist sister Lottie Tomlinson and twins Daisy and Phoebe.
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