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STORMY TIMES
Inside Zara McDermott and Sam Thompson’s ‘strained’ relationship & why their scandals could be making them stronger
Watch the video above to see the recent highs and lows for Zara and Sam
ZARA McDermott and Sam Thompson are said to be giving their relationship 'one last shot' following weeks of 'crisis talks’.
The couple, who have been together four years, sparked rumours they had split in recent months after a heated-seeming discussion after a Soccer Aid match.
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And during their recent 'rocky' patch, Zara's Strictly Come Dancing professional partner Graziano Di Prima admitted to kicking her in rehearsals, after he was sacked from the BBC show following her claims.
It has been a trying time for Zara, 27, who was seemingly battling to save her long-term relationship with Sam, 31, behind closed doors, at around the same time.
It's been said there's been 'a lot of tears' and 'strain on their relationship' due to the fallout from Strictly, but the couple are said to be sticking by each other and doing everything to make it work.
And according to experts, these testing times could actually be bringing them closer together.
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Tina Wilson, a Relationship Expert and founder of Wingman app, explains that whilst they once used humour to bat off any relationship scandals, they've now got a 'grown up' vulnerability about them which could imply they're working things through quietly behind closed doors.
Tina claims that whilst rumours have spread about how strong the pair are, the couple aren’t afraid to be ‘vulnerable’.
Tina says: “Whether or not they were on the rocks, they appear to be on again.
“After the Strictly scandal came to light and Zara shared her experiences, Sam has expressed his pride and admiration for her."
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This comes after Sam shared a heartfelt statement alongside a promotional post featuring Zara, whereby he affectionately referred to her as his "missus" and expressed his pride with a love heart and crying emojis.
Reflecting on recent weeks of on-off rumours which the couple seem to be putting behind them, she adds: "Rumours about Zara and Sam's break-up were fuelled by pictures showing Sam visibly upset at the TRIC awards earlier this month.
Lots of tears
Strictly Star Zara McDermott's Harrowing Experience with Dance Partner Graziano Di Prima
“The couple remained quiet however, allowing speculation to grow until Sam downplayed the situation on his podcast, explaining it was unrelated and that he had received bad news."
And speaking to OK! a source, presumably close to the couple, revealed: “Ultimately that [Graziano scandal] put extra stress and pressure on her and Sam as they were both dealing with a lot.
"There have been a lot of tears.
“But they both have a lot of love for each other and are determined to try to give it one more go. They are determined to fight to stay together.”
This isn’t the first time the couple's relationship has been rocked but they've bounced back.
Zara, a former civil servant, and Sam, brother of Made in Chelseastar Louise Thompson, began dating not long after the blonde beauty had finished her stint on Love Island.
On the show, she was involved with self-confessed ladies' man, Adam Collard, whose partner Laura Woods is now expecting their baby.
At the time, Sam, a Made In Chelsea regular, was in a relationship with fellow MIC cast member Sophie Habboo, but it wasn't long before Zara and Sam became official and Zara soon joined the cast of the E4 reality show.
But the pair hit their first rough patch in late 2019 when reports began circulating that Zara had cheated on Sam while competing on X-Factor: Celebrity, with music boss, Brahim Fouradi.
The former Love Island star initially denied the allegations, but then posted a heartfelt confession message on social media in October 2020 when the news of the affair became public.
That same month, the pair's heartbreaking one-to-one conversation was played out on screen in an episode of MIC in which Zara was begging Sam for forgiveness.
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Zara's Strictly Statement In Full
"Reports have been made about my treatment on the show and there were witnesses to some events, as well as videos of particular incidents which are incredibly distressing to watch.
"I have wrestled with the fear of opening up - I was scared about public backlash, I was scared about my future, I was scared of victim shaming.
"But after a lot of conversations with those I love, I've gained the strength to face these fears, and when I was asked to speak to the BBC, I spoke candidly about my time on the show."
The culture within our society makes it difficult for people to speak up, especially in a world where social media opinions and voices are so loud.
"This is something I've seen through working with countless women on my documentaries.
"I would like to thank the BBC & BBC Studios for their swift action and incredibly high level of support, as well as everyone who has reached out to me - it really truly means a lot. Love, always. Zara."
In late 2020, Zara continued to prove that Sam could trust her moving forward and although hesitant at first, he decided to forgive her and they moved forward together as a couple working through their issues.
According to Tina, despite the scandals, their relationship appears ‘strong’ and ‘affectionate’.
She adds: “In addition, despite the public scrutiny, their relationship remains strong, as seen on their frequent Instagram posts, which shows a loving and caring bond for each other.
They seem to have weathered the tough times and are bouncing back stronger
Relationship expert, Tina Wilson
“Interestingly, Zara and Sam are both reality TV veterans now and understand the pressures and role drama plays in their industry.
“In the past their relationship has been very public, with gushing social media posts and public declarations of love, making public displays of affection a defining feature of their bond.
“When faced with tough times, they show a vulnerable side on social media.
“In addition, having survived the Strictly curse, perhaps they prefer to now keep personal details of their private life, private."
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Tina says their relationship also appears ‘confident’ and ‘secure’.
With no engagement ring or wedding bells having been announced, Tina adds: “The couple also don't feel pressured to advance their relationship, implying confidence and security.
“After their past public split, they used humour to connect with their audience, creating relatable funny videos. This may be their coping mechanism, but their audience also loves it.
“Importantly, both appear supportive of each other's careers, and they have now both been on two high-profile TV shows.
Inside Zara and Sam's romance
Sam and Zara got together in 2019, after the brunette bombshell slid into his DMs.
They finally confirmed their romance later that year, after droves of flirty comments left underneath each other’s photos, including Zara writing “I love you” under a shirtless snap of Sam.
Fans quickly flooded the comments with love for the pair, including Sam’s older sister and MIC legend Louise, who gave her seal of approval by writing “cutie pies!!!”
Dating expert Tina Wilson claimed that Zara and Sam's relationship has always been "more public than that of most other reality stars".
She explains: "With gushing social media posts and public declarations of love, they enjoy flaunting their relationship for all to see.
"PDA has essentially defined Zara and Sam as a couple."
“This is a great balance, as both get to have their fair share of the limelight and there is a newfound bond and understanding of the pressures of this level of fame.
“Sam appears to really give Zara the space she needs to further her career and be independent which might just be the magic ingredient to their success as a couple.
“Now that Zara can put her Strictly trauma behind her, they can move forward stronger than ever and let a new chapter in their relationship unfold.”
'They have the potential to go the distance'
Jessen James, a Psychiatric Nurse and Human Behaviour Expert from Jessen James International, also reveals the couple’s body language speaks volumes about their relationship.
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Jessen claims it’s clear the couple have ‘weathered tough times’, but it’s possible that they can ‘go the distance’.
He says: "The body language exhibited by Zara McDermott and Sam Thompson during their recent public encounters offers a contrasting narrative to their often affectionate and playful social media personas.
“This, in my view, is where the rumours run rife because there seem to be some differences which is why there is lots of speculation.
“Despite their frequent skits and affectionate embraces online, which serve to entertain followers and showcase their bond, moments captured by onlookers, such as, one where Zara appears to be arguing with Sam, paint a different picture.
It is evident they have weathered tough times
Jessen James
“At Soccer Aid Sam's crossed arms and had a serious expression suggest defensiveness and discomfort, while Zara's animated hand gestures and expressive face indicate she is passionately making her point.
“This scene contradicts their usual public displays of affection, hinting at underlying tensions.
“Nevertheless, after this, Zara’s clarification on social media reveals that her intense conversation was actually a passionate way to uplift Sam after the game, emphasising their supportive and passionate relationship.
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“This incident underscores how couples, especially public figures, might portray a fun-loving image to resonate with their audience, yet behind the scenes, they navigate real emotions and challenges like any other couple.
“The truth remains elusive, but from a behavioural point of view, this is what I see.”
Jessen reveals how communication is key with the reality stars if they're to share a future: “Despite the contradictions, if they continue to work through their ups and downs and communicate effectively as a couple, they have the potential to go the distance," he says.
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“Being in the spotlight is not easy. You have to balance an image with being a human and whilst one could argue that’s their profession, they are only human."
It will be interesting to see how the future plays out for this couple.
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