Zara McDermott and Sam Thompson may have gone their separate ways nearly a year ago — but on Saturday night, their social media activity told two strikingly different stories.
Just hours after Made In Chelsea star Sam, 33, went Instagram official with his new girlfriend Talitha Balinska, and openly stated that his ex Zara had taken a prized possession from him following their split, Zara quietly shared a loved-up birthday photo with her boyfriend Louis Tomlinson.
The timing did not go unnoticed.
Zara, who was preparing to celebrate her 29th birthday, posted a glowing selfie with the former One Direction star, 33, smiling as she marked what she called “the best birthday ever” and the final year of her twenties.
Her post came shortly after Sam confirmed his new relationship publicly for the first time this month — and as he continued to speak candidly about his past with Zara on his Staying Relevant podcast alongside best friend Pete Wicks.
During the episode, Sam openly stated that Zara had taken one of his most valued personal belongings when they split earlier this year — a remark that many interpreted as a pointed reference to their five-year relationship.
While Sam chose to speak directly about the breakup, Zara made no comment at all.
Instead, she focused on celebrating her birthday weekend with Louis, sharing a series of snaps from what appeared to be a cosy getaway.
Alongside a photo of a sparkling Christmas tree, she wrote:
“The most perfect weekend getaway for my birthday. Can’t believe I’m going to be 29 tomorrow!”
Later, she followed it with a loved-up selfie with Louis, captioned:
“The best birthday ever with you 
& the final year of my 20’s!!”
Zara and Louis were first linked in March, following a string of low-key dates, and confirmed their relationship publicly in August. Since then, the pair have kept their romance relatively private, sharing only occasional glimpses on social media.
Sam, meanwhile, has embraced a very different approach with his new relationship.
Earlier this month, he confirmed that DJ Talitha Balinska, 25, is now his girlfriend after several months of dating. The pair were initially introduced by Sam’s close friend and business partner Reza Amiri-Garroussi.
On Saturday night, Sam shared a smiling photo of himself and Talitha during a London dinner date, officially marking their relationship online.
Speaking on the podcast, Sam explained that asking Talitha to be his girlfriend was intentionally simple.
“I really, really like you,” he recalled telling her.
“You make me feel comfortable. I feel like I can be myself.”
He added:
“I’m 33. I wouldn’t be dating someone this long if I didn’t think it had legs.”
Pete Wicks congratulated his friend, noting how far Sam had come since last Christmas — a time that marked the breakdown of his long-term relationship with Zara.
“Christmas is back on,” Sam said. “I’m happy.”
The former couple first went public with their romance in May 2019, frequently sharing their lives together online — from red-carpet appearances to festive family moments in matching Christmas pyjamas.
They split in December 2024, bringing an end to nearly five years together.
Now, as both move forward with new partners, their contrasting responses on the same night — Sam speaking openly about the past, Zara saying nothing at all — offered a quiet but telling snapshot of how differently their new chapters are unfolding.
