All About Zara McDermott, Louis Tomlinson’s Rumored Girlfriend

In 2025, Louis Tomlinson, the former One Direction star, has sparked headlines not only for his music but also for his personal life. The spotlight has turned to Zara McDermott, the British television personality and filmmaker who is rumored to be dating him. Photos of the pair on multiple outings together have fueled speculation, while subtle hints on social media have only added to the intrigue.

But who is Zara McDermott, and how did she go from a reality TV contestant to a respected documentary filmmaker and social advocate? Here is everything you need to know about her career, achievements, and her rumored connection to Louis Tomlinson.

The Beginning of Romance Rumors

Speculation about Louis Tomlinson and Zara McDermott’s relationship began in March 2025, when The Sun published photos of the two enjoying dinner at a Suffolk hotel. Witnesses described the pair as “happy and relaxed,” noting that they appeared affectionate during the evening.

The report also claimed that Tomlinson had planned the outing as a getaway for McDermott, adding a thoughtful touch that fueled chatter about their bond.

Shortly afterward, eagle-eyed fans noticed Instagram activity that hinted at a closer connection. Tomlinson’s sisters—Lottie, Daisy, and Phoebe—had all followed McDermott on the platform, while McDermott returned the favor by following them and Tomlinson himself. Louis even liked one of her posts on March 1, strengthening the whispers.

By April 2025, the pair appeared to soft-launch their relationship by posting Instagram Stories from the same concert in Los Angeles. Days later, paparazzi captured them kissing and holding hands, effectively confirming the romance in the eyes of many fans.

Taking Things Slow

Despite the increasing attention, sources close to the rumored couple have suggested that both Tomlinson and McDermott are approaching their connection cautiously.

According to insiders, the pair are “taking things slowly” while exploring their compatibility. Both reportedly value family highly and share similar outlooks on life, which makes them naturally aligned. Rather than rushing into anything, they are enjoying each other’s company and letting the relationship evolve organically.

Zara McDermott’s Rise to Fame

Zara McDermott first gained public attention in 2018 when she appeared on Season 4 of Love Island UK. Entering the villa as a “bombshell” contestant, she coupled up with Adam Collard but was eliminated after just 10 days.

While her time on Love Island was short, it introduced her to the world of British reality television. However, McDermott quickly transitioned away from the reality-star label, pursuing opportunities that allowed her to showcase her intelligence, creativity, and passion for important issues.

Building a Career in Television and Documentary Filmmaking

After Love Island, McDermott embarked on a career in television presenting and documentary production, particularly with BBC Three. She developed a reputation for tackling tough topics with honesty and empathy, producing documentaries that shed light on pressing social issues.

Some of her most notable works include:

• Revenge Porn (2021): McDermott bravely shared her own experience with intimate image abuse, turning personal pain into a powerful tool for awareness.

• Disordered Eating: This documentary explored the rise of eating disorders among young people, offering insight into the pressures of modern society.

• Uncovering Rape Culture: McDermott investigated sexism in U.K. schools, sparking nationwide conversation about education and gender equality.

• The Idaho Murders: Trial by TikTok: A look at how social media impacts public perception and high-profile criminal cases.

In March 2025, she revealed on Instagram that she was filming a documentary about stalking, calling it “one of the most eye-opening, emotional films I’ve ever made.” She praised the strength of survivors and emphasized the importance of giving them a voice.

Competing on Strictly Come Dancing

In 2023, Zara McDermott appeared on Strictly Come Dancing, the British version of Dancing with the Stars. Partnered with professional dancer Graziano Di Prima, she embraced the challenge despite admitting that aspects of the training were emotionally difficult.

Although she was eliminated before reaching the later stages of the competition, her participation helped broaden her public profile and endeared her to a new audience.

Advocacy Work with Refuge

Beyond entertainment, McDermott has been an outspoken advocate for survivors of domestic abuse. In 2024, she became an ambassador for Refuge, a leading U.K. domestic abuse charity.

Her involvement with Refuge dates back years, including the 2020 Naked Threat campaign, which successfully pushed the U.K. government to criminalize threats to share intimate images.

Speaking about her advocacy, McDermott explained:
“Using my platform to advocate against abuse has been incredibly important to me throughout my career. Since sharing my experiences of intimate image abuse, I have been taken aback by the sheer scale of this horrific form of abuse.”

She has continued working closely with Refuge, raising awareness and showing survivors that they are not alone.

Fashion Entrepreneur

Adding another layer to her career, McDermott launched her own fashion brand, Rise, in 2024. Initially debuting at Tesco’s F&F Clothing, the line expanded into Rise Black Label, a loungewear and athleisure collection sold at New Look.

The venture highlights her entrepreneurial side, proving that she is more than a television personality—she’s a businesswoman with a vision for accessible yet stylish fashion.

Past Relationship with Sam Thompson

Before being linked to Louis Tomlinson, McDermott was in a long-term relationship with Sam Thompson, a reality star known for Made in Chelsea. The pair dated for five years, with their relationship playing out on the show.

Their romance had its share of turbulence, including a publicized breakup in 2020 after McDermott admitted to infidelity during her time on The X Factor: Celebrity. They reconciled but ultimately split for good in December 2024.

Going Public with Louis Tomlinson

By mid-2025, it seemed clear that Louis Tomlinson and Zara McDermott were more than just friends. On August 5, McDermott posted a photo on Instagram of herself kissing Tomlinson, officially making their relationship public.

The post marked the couple’s first appearance together on her grid, and Tomlinson’s affectionate comment, “I love you,” left fans buzzing. The gesture signaled a new chapter for both stars and confirmed what had been rumored for months.

Why This Relationship Matters

While celebrity relationships are often viewed through the lens of gossip, the connection between Louis Tomlinson and Zara McDermott carries broader cultural interest.

For Tomlinson, it marks one of the few times he has been publicly linked to someone since his rise to fame with One Direction. His typically private nature makes this relationship all the more noteworthy.

For McDermott, the relationship shines an even brighter spotlight on her already impressive career. Rather than being known solely as a reality star, she has carved out an identity as a respected documentary filmmaker, advocate, and entrepreneur.

Together, they represent a pairing of two public figures who are more than their celebrity personas.

Conclusion

From reality TV to documentary filmmaking, Zara McDermott has demonstrated resilience, ambition, and creativity. Her rumored relationship with Louis Tomlinson has only heightened public curiosity, but it’s her career and advocacy that truly define her.

As of late 2025, the couple has gone public, suggesting that their bond is not just speculation but reality. Whether they continue to share their journey openly or keep much of it private, one thing is certain: Zara McDermott’s story is still unfolding, both personally and professionally.

For fans of both McDermott and Tomlinson, their connection adds an exciting chapter to their respective journeys—combining the worlds of music, television, advocacy, and fashion into one compelling narrative.