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Sam Thompson has given a candid insight into where he stands with his ex Zara McDermott’s romance with Louis Tomlinson.
The reality star ended his long-term relationship with Zara at the end of 2024, and in the months since, both have moved on publicly.
While Zara has struck up a relationship with the former One Direction singer, Sam has quietly started a new chapter of his own with model Talitha Balinska.
However, his love life was not the topic listeners were most interested in when he stepped in to host Hits Radio Breakfast for Fleur East, Will Best, and James Barr.
Instead, things took an unexpected turn when a caller brought up Zara’s new boyfriend in a very direct way, referencing the One Direction track Steal My Girl.
Momentarily thrown, Sam paused, covering his mouth with his hand in shock, before laughing off the situation, pointing out he was being put on the spot live on air.
He admitted he still enjoys the song, even joking that it regularly makes it onto his playlist during tube journeys.
He said: ‘Holly, I am live on air! How do I feel? First of all, and I mean this when I say it, it’s a brilliant song. I still listen to it on the tube.
‘I know that sounds weird but I listen to it on the tube all the time.’
More importantly, he made it clear there is no resentment lingering when it comes to Zara’s new relationship.
Sam explained that he had previously crossed paths with Louis at a charity football match, and his impression of him was entirely positive. Describing him as ‘a really nice dude’, he suggested there is no tension between them, despite the unusual circumstances.
He added: ‘I don’t actually feel weird about it because I feel quite happy as long as everyone else is happy.
‘I think everyone has found their person and I think that’s really, really nice.
‘And I’ve actually met said guy and he seems like a really nice dude so I feel pretty good about it to be fair. And it is an absolute banger. Everyone is looking for love you know.’
Sam’s current girlfriend has become a familiar face on his social media in recent months.
When he first revealed the relationship on his podcast, Staying Relevant,Sam said: ‘I’ve got a girlfriend. I’ve got a girlfriend!’
Pete Wicks, his co-host, joked: ‘We’ve lost him again to the dark powers of a woman.’
Discussing the moment Sam asked Talitha to be his girlfriend, the TV personality said: ‘Mate, it was just super relaxed. It was so boring, really, but that’s kind of how I wanted it to be.
‘We just went for dinner, and I was like, “I really like you”. And I just went, “I’d love to be your boyfriend”. I don’t know why I’m panicking more now!’
He went on: ‘Yeah, I just said, “Look, I really, really like you, and you make me feel really… comfortable. I feel like I can be myself around you. I don’t want to be dating anyone else.
‘I’m 33, I wouldn’t be dating someone this amount of time if I didn’t think it had legs to last. So will you be my girlfriend?” And she said “yes”. And so I said, “great”.’
To this, Pete congratulated Sam and noted how far he’d come since last Christmas, which saw the breakdown of his relationship with Zara.
Meanwhile, Zara’s life has also shifted significantly. After the breakup, she briefly returned to her parents’ home before moving in with Louis in North London, where their relationship has continued to develop.
They made their relationship Instagram official in May before partying away at Glastonbury Festival together.
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