SAM Thompson put on a brave face in his first TV appearance since his “explosive” row with girlfriend Zara McDermott.
The I’m A Celebrity winner made his regularly scheduled appearance on Love Island: Aftersun, joining Maya Jama to dissect the past week of gossip from the villa.
Despite being in “crisis talks” with Zara, who he’s been dating since 2019, Sam remained his usual cheeky chappy self to give his thoughts and input into the Love Island goings on.
Sitting alongside Amy Hart, Love Island superfan Sam was seen joking about Joey Essex’s behaviour, saying his actions with Grace Jackson was “looking for the storyline” as he moves around the villa.
“Joey knows what he’s doing there, by the way. This man has been on every TV show under the sun. Mate, he wants to have A Storyline by the end of it. He’ll turn up on a horse and carriage, do a 180 and be like ‘Grace, it’s always been you’.
“He’s been on Towie for years, mate! He knows what he’s doing.”
His comment left Maya, Amy and the rests of the gang giggling over his bluntness.
Sam later had to apologise after swearing on the show, not realising it had passed the 9pm watershed.
His appearance comes after Zara and Sam are reportedly “trying to iron out their differences” after starting crisis talks.
Pals say Sam and Zara are trying to make the relationship work after work commitments has driven a wedge in their romance.
Last week, Zara reportedly packed her bags and left the house they share after a blazing row.
Sam later made an appearance at the Tric Awards in London, where he was spotted being consoled by best mate Pete Wicks in the smoking area, visibly upset.
An insider told us: “Since Christmas Zara and Sam have been really busy with work and have had little quality time to see each other and as a result their relationship has suffered.
“They’ve both wanted to make the most of their careers and say yes to all the exciting opportunities offered to them.
“Last weekend it came to a head and they had a big row. It was very upsetting and they needed some time to let the dust settle.”
May 2019: Sam confirms he’s started dating Zara in an interview after she “slid into his DMs” – they go Instagram official a month later.
October 2019: Zara makes her Made In Chelsea debut alongside Sam
November 2019: Zara forms a Love Island supergroup with Wes Nelson, Eyal Booker and Samira Mighty for Celebrity X Factor.
December 2019: Zara and Sam hit their first rocky patch, with scenes airing on Made In Chelsea showing Sam trying to “salvage” the relationship.
April 2020: In new Made In Chelsea scenes, the couple are seen fighting for their relationship, with Sam vowing to give his “whole heart” to her.
July 2020: The couple seem back on track as they head on holiday to Mykonos together – with reports he’s planning to propose.
September 10 2020: The MailOnline reports the couple have split, with Zara moving back to her parents’ in Essex. The Sun reveals Zara cheated on Sam while on Celebrity X Factor.
October 19, 2020: Made in Chelsea scenes air showing Zara begging Sam to forgive her. It comes days after Zara posted a montage of her and Sam together, calling him the “love of her life”.
November 2020: Rumours circulate they are secretly back together.
August 2021: Zara pivots her career into documentaries, being praised for one on revenge porn, before landing a hosting gig for BBC’s Love In The Flesh.
September 2021: Sam says he trusts Zara again and they are going well.
March 2022: Zara and Sam start giving their London home a makeover.
August 2023: Zara lands spot on Strictly Come Dancing.
November 2023: Sam heads to Australia for I’m A Celebrity – later winning the show. Zara needs to stay in UK due to Strictly obligations.
May 2024: Couple spark engagement rumours as they look happier than ever on social media.
June 11 2024: Sam and Zara are seen having an explosive row after SoccerAid – though they later try to laugh it off.
June 29 2024: Sam seen being consoled by Pete Wicks at Tric Awards, with news later claiming he and Zara are in “crisis talks” after she walks out of their home.
