EX-STRICTLY contestant Zara McDermott flew to Paris in a bid to get over her break-up from former I’m A Celebrity winner Sam Thompson.
The 28-year-old reality TV favourite spent time in the French capital with a female pal just hours after the split was announced on New Year’s Day.
We can also reveal Zara, who has also appeared on Love Island, has already moved out of the London pad she shared with Sam, 32.
A source close to her told The Sun on Sunday: “It’s been a tough time for Zara. The trip to Paris just helped her get away from it all.
“Zara just wants to try to focus on work and get herself together. They split some time before it officially emerged and she is now living apart from him.”
The break-up comes after The Sun on Sunday revealed last June how their relationship was on the rocks following a huge bust-up that saw Zara pack her bags.
Just days later, Sam was pictured sobbing on The Only Way Is Essex pal Pete Wicks’ shoulder — and Zara was spotted crying in the street.
We then revealed Zara’s Strictly pro dance partner Graziano Di Prima had been sacked over a video that showed him kicking her during rehearsals. The pair had danced together in the 2023 series.
Zara and Sam, who lived in a flat in West London, spent Christmas separately after growing apart after five years.
She was spotted looking glum in a posh coffee shop in Putney, South West London, on Christmas Eve.
An onlooker said: “She looked really down. She was just on her own, staring into space.”
A source said: “Sam and Zara have ended their relationship. It’s been an incredibly difficult decision for them.
“They still have a lot of love for each other. There has been no scandal or fallout, it’s just the result of a difficult year where they both spent a lot of time on their own projects.”
Ex-King of the Jungle Sam has just returned from hosting I’m A Celebrity spin-off show Unpacked for ITV in Australia.
He joined pals from reality show Made in Chelsea to see in New Year.
There has been no scandal or fallout, it’s just the result of a difficult year where they both spent a lot of time on their own projects
A source
He made a toast declaring he was lucky to be spending New Year with them.
Zara stayed at home, posting a picture online with her cat, saying: “Happy New Year.”
The couple were last pictured together celebrating Zara’s birthday last month.
At the time, Sam called her his “soulmate” in a post online and said: “I’m afraid you’re stuck with me forever.”
