Louis Tomlinson and Zara McDermott made their relationship even more official with a public display of affection in Los Angeles on Friday.
The couple, who had previously been spotted enjoying a lunch date earlier in the week, shared a steamy kiss outside their swanky holiday rental as they parted ways.
These exclusive snaps, obtained by MailOnline, show the lovebirds making their bond public in a very heartfelt way.
Casual Looks for a Special Moment
Louis, 33, kept it casual in a black hoodie and joggers, going barefoot as he said his goodbyes to Zara, 28, who sported a relaxed blue tracksuit paired with Adidas trainers.
She kept her look low-key with aviator sunglasses and a fresh-faced makeup look.
It was a sweet farewell as Louis pulled Zara in for a passionate kiss before she headed off to the airport.
Zara’s Ex Reacts to the News
The PDA-filled moment will undoubtedly come as a blow to Zara’s ex, Sam Thompson, with whom she ended things on New Year’s Day after a five-year relationship.
The TV personality, who was filming for This Morning in Nottingham at the time, seemed to keep things lighthearted as he entertained the crowd before driving off in a vintage car.
Meanwhile, his best friend, Pete Wicks, opened up about the new couple on their KISS Breakfast radio show.
He jokingly shared his thoughts on their relationship, hinting at some juicy gossip but choosing to keep the details off-air.
Relationship Begins to Blossom Publicly
Zara and Louis’ romance first began to make headlines in March when they were spotted on a date at The Suffolk in Aldeburgh.
The pair unintentionally revealed their growing connection when they both shared social media posts while attending a Stereophonics concert in LA.
They were seen in the same area of the theater just minutes apart, with Zara tagging the venue and the band in her post.
Zara also gave fans a glimpse into her LA adventure by sharing a snap of a special Kardashian-Jenner edition of Crumbl cookies.
Introduction to Louis’ Family
Things between Zara and Louis seem to be progressing smoothly, with sources revealing that the singer has already introduced Zara to his family.
Friends say that Zara, who is described as wholesome and health-conscious, has won the approval of Louis’ family, who are pleased that he’s dating someone not into partying.
This is a clear sign that their relationship has already taken a more serious turn.
Zara Moves On From Her Past
As for Zara, friends revealed that she’s happy to finally have her relationship with Louis out in the open after weeks of keeping it under wraps.
The secretive nature of their romance was first noticed by eagle-eyed fans, who spotted Louis following Zara on Instagram and liking several of her posts.
According to her friends, Louis has really “put a smile back on her face” following her breakup with Sam.
Sam Thompson’s New Connection
Sam, on the other hand, is also moving forward with his life.
Recently, MailOnline reported that he’s grown close to Lucy Syed, a 28-year-old Netflix star, whom he was spotted with at a new Chelsea nightclub.
Sources say the two have spent time together on multiple occasions, with their relationship still in its early stages.
Despite Sam’s closeness to Lucy, friends clarified that they’re not officially dating but are enjoying each other’s company.
A New Chapter for Both Zara and Sam
Zara and Sam’s relationship may have ended, but both seem to be finding their footing in new romantic territories.
While Zara embraces her new chapter with Louis, Sam appears to be enjoying the dating scene once more, sharing direct messages with Lucy and spending time together outside of the public eye.
Zara’s Career and Public Life
For those unfamiliar with Zara, she rose to fame after appearing on Love Island in 2018, and she’s since made a name for herself with appearances on The X Factor: Celebrity and Made in Chelsea.
In recent years, she’s also worked on documentaries for the BBC, focusing on important issues such as her own revenge porn ordeal.
Zara also took part in Strictly Come Dancing in 2023.
Louis’ Journey From One Direction to Solo Career
Louis, of course, became a household name as part of One Direction after appearing on The X Factor in 2010.
Following the band’s breakup in 2016, he transitioned into a successful solo career, even taking on the role of a judge on the very talent show that made him famous.
As both Louis and Zara continue to evolve in their personal and professional lives, it’s clear that their relationship is only just beginning, and fans are eagerly watching their journey unfold.