The news of Sam Thompson and Zara McDermott’s split broke this week, marking the end of their rollercoaster five-year relationship.
The entertainment power couple, known for their high-profile love story and reality TV fame, decided to part ways after years of ups and downs.
Cheating Scandal That Shook Their Relationship
The couple’s troubles can be traced back to Zara’s involvement in a cheating scandal early in their relationship.
The former Love Island star admitted to having an affair with music executive Brahim Fouradi in 2019 while appearing on The X Factor.
At the time, Zara was part of a group of ex-Love Island contestants competing on the celebrity edition of the show.
Her affair with Fouradi, a music industry veteran who once worked with Simon Cowell, caused a temporary split.
Their reconciliation, along with the drama surrounding it, was later documented on Made in Chelsea.
Despite their attempts to rebuild trust, sources say the relationship never fully recovered.
Who Is Brahim Fouradi?
Brahim Fouradi is a respected figure in the music world, with a career spanning talent management, songwriting, and high-profile roles in companies like Syco Entertainment and Universal Music Group.
Before managing artists, he and his brother Mohamed performed as a music duo, Fouradi, and later founded a management agency.
Family Disapproval and Lingering Tensions
Sam’s family, particularly his protective sister Louise, struggled to forgive Zara’s past indiscretion.
While they welcomed her back for Sam’s sake, tensions remained.
According to close friends, the couple’s differences and unresolved trust issues led to their eventual separation.
An Attempt at Reconciliation
Following the scandal, Zara publicly apologized on social media and made heartfelt efforts to win back Sam’s trust.
The couple reunited in late 2020, with Sam citing his belief in forgiveness as a key reason for taking her back.
They shared happy moments, including a luxurious trip to the Maldives and moving in together, but the cracks in their foundation persisted.
Signs of the End
The couple’s split became evident over the recent holidays, with Sam and Zara spending both Christmas and New Year’s apart.
While Sam celebrated with friends, Zara stayed home, signaling that their lives had grown increasingly separate.
Careers Thriving Amid the Turmoil
Despite their personal challenges, both Sam and Zara achieved significant career milestones.
Sam was crowned King of the Jungle on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in 2023, while Zara became the first Love Island alum to compete on Strictly Come Dancing.
However, even their professional success couldn’t bridge the gap in their relationship.
Why They Finally Split
Insiders say the decision to part ways was mutual and amicable, driven by their busy schedules and diverging priorities.
“They still care deeply for each other,” a source revealed, “but after a tough year of focusing on their own projects, they’ve decided to move forward individually.”
A New Chapter
As they embark on separate journeys, Sam and Zara remain two of reality TV’s most recognizable faces.
While their love story has ended, both are expected to continue making waves in their respective careers.