Reality television personality Sam Thompson has disclosed a light-hearted post-breakup grievance involving his ex-girlfriend, Zara McDermott, and a beloved pair of shoes.
The Missing Footwear
During a recent episode of the Staying Relevant podcast, which he co-hosts with The Only Way Is Essex star Pete Wicks, the 33-year-old Made in Chelsea star was asked about his attire for a glamorous showbiz event. Thompson joked that he would opt for Crocs for their 'shock value,' quipping, 'Get the jelly shoes on.'
Pete Wicks then noted that Sam hadn't worn the distinctive shoes for some time. 'Yeah, Zara took them,' Sam revealed, prompting a reaction from his co-host. With a sigh, Thompson added, 'I need a new pair of Crocs. I actually don't have any Crocs.'
The admission was particularly notable given Thompson's history of pulling off the casual footwear at formal events, most famously at the 2023 National Television Awards.
New Romances for the Festive Season
The playful revelation comes nearly a year after the pair, who were together for five years, parted ways in January 2025. Both have since moved on to new, high-profile relationships.
In the same podcast episode, Sam Thompson confirmed his new romance with model Talitha Balinska. He described the low-key moment he asked her to be his girlfriend after reconnecting at his live show at the O2 Arena. 'I just said: "Look, I really, really like you... 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",' he recounted.
Meanwhile, his 28-year-old ex, Zara McDermott, a former Love Island contestant, is now dating One Direction star Louis Tomlinson. The couple are frequently spotted together at public events.
Moving On with a Smile
The story of the purloined Crocs serves as a humorous footnote to the end of a significant chapter in both stars' lives. While there may be lingering reminders of their past relationship, both Sam Thompson and Zara McDermott appear to be embracing the future as the festive period gets underway.
Louis Tomlinson has also spoken about how his current romantic happiness influences his creativity. On Steven Bartlett's Diary of a CEO podcast, he stated, 'I'm a deeply, deeply romantic person... if I wasn't feeling so in love, the record probably would have a slightly different feel to it.'
