Get the latest OK! breaking news on WhatsAppOur community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More infoJoin us on WhatsApp Zara McDermott and Louis Tomlinson have seemingly confirmed their romance after they were spotted looking cosy during an intimate dinner date. However, it seems there were hints of a budding connection between the Love Island star and One Direction heartthrob long before the rendezvous. The reality TV sensation, 28, and singer, 33, were photographed by a fellow guest at a hotel in Aldeburgh, Suffolk, as they indulged in a £100 fish and chips feast while sipping cocktails after several previous outings. An onlooker shared: “They looked every bit the happy couple,” as they were seen giggling and hand-holding, reports the Mirror.

Zara McDermott is said to be dating One Direction star Louis Tomlinson
(Image: Instagram/Zara McDermott)

The guest who managed to snap the celeb duo noted that they appeared to be “having a great time” as they exchanged tender touches across the table. They also pointed out that “Zara had a few cocktails” and “Louis was really making her giggle” as they engaged in deep conversation in the swanky setting. An insider revealed to The Sun that “Louis whisked Zara away” for their recent Suffolk escape and completely swept the reality TV darling off her feet. “Louis is a proper gentleman so this trip was something he planned and put on for Zara,” the source told the tabloid. “He was really thoughtful and wanted to make it special. They share the same values and are both incredibly close with their families.” They added that Zara and Louis are taking things slow for now but are “enjoying each other’s company”. Insiders have also claimed that the pair have been talking for some time and have shared a series of low-key ‘dates’ in recent weeks. Their romance comes just months after Zara split from her boyfriend of five years, former Made In Chelsea star Sam Thompson. The pair called it quits last December, and it looks like Zara’s on the mend, with all signs pointing to a spark igniting with Louis a while back. Fans fuelled rumours by spotting undeniable social media signs hinting at Zara and Louis’s potential pairing. One of the initial clues dropped when Louis – along with his sisters Lottie, Daisy, and Phoebe – hit the follow button on Zara’s Instagram, a gesture she warmly returned to each of the Tomlinson clan. As well as this, out of a mere 338 accounts Louis follows, Zara has earned her spot on this exclusive list.

Louis follows Zara on Instagram and liked one of her photos in March
(Image: Getty Images)

An eagle-eyed fan took to Reddit to share their detective work: “I’ve read a lot of rumours that Louis is in a relationship with Zara McDermott. They recently started to follow each other on Instagram. She follows all of his sisters, and they follow her back.” With debates over the significance of Instagram activities, they pointed out: “Obviously, following a person on Instagram doesn’t mean that people are in a relationship, lol, But, I just find it weird, and I am scared that this will be a new stunt. Especially since I’ve read about them many times. Louis is having a concert in London today, and I’m just waiting for Zara to be spotted there or that she post a story from the concert.” Others are all for this potential pairing, with someone chiming in on X, previously known as Twitter. One penned: “Louis Single and Zara Single …. Just saying make a Cute Couple.” Another was eager for confirmation: “LOUIS TOMLINSON DATING ZARA MCDERMOTT ? ? IS THIS TRUE? WHAT.” Stirring the pot further, followers saw Louis’ like on one of Zara’s stunning Instagram snaps from the BRIT Awards on March 1. She was a vision in a leg-baring white-feathered gown and sky-high stilettos, complemented by an elegant up-do – a proud attendee under L’Oréal’s wing at London’s dazzling O2 Arena.

Louis liked one of Zara’s Instagram posts from the BRIT Awards at the beginning of March
(Image: Getty Images)

Zara split from Sam Thompson last year following a five-year relationship
(Image: Instagram/Sam Thompson)

Others speculate that Zara’s connection to Louis might have been facilitated by his sisters, given her experience in documentary filmmaking and the Tomlinson family’s rumoured interest in creating a reality show. A social media user pointed out: “I’ve heard about the link with a documentary as well. Zara has been involved in a recent change in the law as it’s now illegal to threaten to share images without someone’s consent. I can see something like that appealing to Louis, even though it’s revenge porn that is the basis of Zara’s law change.” Another user chimed in: “I think there is a documentary about the Tomlinson’s being produced since the sisters are interested in being England’s version of the Kardashians. Zara has worked on documentaries, maybe she is involved with that.”

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Last Update: March 20, 2025