ZARA McDermott has revealed why she spent Christmas apart from boyfriend Sam Thompson as she gave a relationship update.
The Strictly star, 28, took to social media with a snap of a thoughtful present she got for Sam.
Zara designed a special painting for the I’m A Celeb star, with pictures of meaningful things that hold a special place in his heart.
Some of the images included paw prints, a Harry Potter book, a slab of cheese and an on-air sign with a mic.
Meanwhile, Sam revealed that he was not spending Christmas at home with his girlfriend for a very important reason.
The presenter posted a photo of him volunteering for a special cause – as he became Santa Claus for the day and delivered presents to those in need.
Alongside a beaming of snap of himself holding bags of gifts, he wrote: “Bit of a different Christmas this year. I got put in touch with a charity. The camila batmanghelidjh foundation to be exact. They were struggling this year after the sad passing of Camila, and I was lucky enough to get the call up to deliver gifts across London to possibly the nicest, most selfless bunch of people I’ve ever met.
“What could have been another standard Christmas has turned out to be one that I’ll never forget!
“Thank you everyone that let me into your homes, and to be honest I think there’s no doubt I’ll be back next year if you’ll have me!
“Here’s to all of the people who are there for others year round.
“You are superheroes (and thank you to my co-pilot the camera shy JLS loving Ali) you’re one of a kind my man!”
Zara praised her boyfriend, writing: “So proud of you, it’s so lovely that you chose to give up your Christmas Day to help others.”
While other fans were also full of kind messages, with one saying: “Best use of a platform and a lovely lovely thing to do for others.”
A second posted: “Sam you’re the gift that just keeps giving.”
A third added: “This is so lovely Sam. Well done you.”
It comes after Zara was left horrified this week after she was “spat on” by a man while out Christmas shopping.
The TV favourite, 28, detailed the shocking incident that took place on Tuesday afternoon – and branded it “absolutely vile”.
Zara explained a man approached her and her brother’s girlfriend while they was picking up some last minute shopping at Lidl.
The former Strictly star shared a video of her looking mortified from outside the supermarket and said: “Guys, me and Alice are actually really shocked at what just happened.
“We were just getting some last minute Christmas bits just walking down the street, normal normal stuff and this guy out of nowhere runs up to us, spits on us, thankfully it just missed because of the wind and then walked off in the other direction.
“I can’t believe it.”
She later posted another story with the caption: “I think I would have been really shaken up if alone! Luckily I was with Alice.”
Zara added: “Had so many messages from other people having experienced the same thing in London.
“I’ve heard of men approaching women on the street and hitting them in the face also (a friend of mine had this happen to her).
“It’s completely vile.”
It comes just a few weeks after Zara reunited with her boyfriend Sam as they celebrated her birthday.
TV presenter Sam, 32, had been in Australia filming the I’m A Celebrity spin-off show Unpacked with host Joel Dommett.
Sam took to Instagram to share a gushing birthday tribute to his documentary-maker girlfriend Zara on Sunday.
He shared a string of loved-up snaps at a chic eatery in London.
While Zara also explained why she didn’t go to Australia with Sam.
She explained: “You guys are funny. I’ve had this question so many times! Well firstly I’m filming my documentary about stalking at the moment and it’s really not possible to take time off filming at short notice.”
Zara also said the time difference and working hours would make it tricky.
She added: “Let’s see, if he ends up going back next year for another season then I’ll definitely go out there if I can.
“Also though, I think it’s funny how people assume just because Sam is working away, I automatically should go.
“Love you guys but I also have a job too.”
