‘I'm not just with sam for fame and the limelight'

Made In Chelsea star Zara McDermott on why she sees a genuine future for her and boyfriend Sam Thompson

- Rianne Ison

Zara McDermott was only on Love Island for 10 days back in 2018, but she managed to make quite an impression – and not just on Adam Collard, who she went on to date for eight months.

Since leaving the famous villa, the 23 year old has taken part in The X Factor: Celebrity, where she showcased her impressive vocals in Love Island supergroup No Love Lost. And she’s gone back to her reality roots on Made In Chelsea alongside long-term cast member and boyfriend Sam Thompson.

Despite a sometimes bumpy road, their relationship is heading in the right direction and the couple have moved in together for lockdown.

Zara tells us about their set-up, how it’s brought them closer and why couples who work out together, stay together…

Hi Zara. How is living with Sam?

Really good thanks. I unofficially lived here anyway because we both film Made In Chelsea near here and that takes up so much of our time. I was at his five to six days a week, then would go back to see my parents for a couple of days before staying with Sam again. All of my stuff is here, I just don’t have the key.

Has it been more intense during isolation?

No, it’s going really well – I’m really surprised! We haven’t bickered about anything. I’m pretty chilled anyway. We’ve also been lucky as we’re isolating with Sam’s sister, Louise, and her fiancé, Ryan [Libbey], so it’s not just us two all the time.