Zara McDermott Finally Breaks Silence on ‘Awkward’ TV Appearance with Ex Sam Thompson
Zara McDermott has spoken out following her “awkward” appearance with ex-boyfriend Sam Thompson on Michael McIntyre’s Big Show, which aired just days before their public breakup. The former Love Island star and Strictly Come Dancing celebrity, 28, shocked fans when she announced her split from I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! winner Sam Thompson. The breakup came shortly after the pair filmed the Midnight Gameshow segment of the show in their shared London home, reports the Mirror.
The chaos began when comedian Michael McIntyre’s surprise bedroom visit nearly failed because the couple had accidentally locked their door. Recalling the bizarre moment, Zara shared a clip on her Instagram Stories, saying, “I am not joking when I say, we thought that it was a burglar, we thought we were being robbed.”
Describing the experience as “the scariest thing” she had faced recently, Zara revealed her shock when McIntyre bellowed “housekeeping” outside the door. The skit became even more intense as Celebrity SAS star Jason Fox joined the scene to quiz Sam.
Viewers found the segment particularly uncomfortable, especially when Fox confronted Sam with weighty questions about his relationship with Zara while making him lift heavy weights. According to GB News, The tension peaked when Jason bluntly asked, “Do you actually love her?” after Sam failed to remember the gifts Zara had given him during their time together.
Social media erupted with reactions after the episode aired, with one user commenting on X, “Now that Sam and Zara have split up, this is absolutely awkward.” Others humorously questioned whether McIntyre had a role in the breakup, tweeting, “Did Michael break up Sam and Zara?”
Despite the tension, McIntyre reflected on the experience during the show, admitting, “They were terrified as I had to knock on the door—but thankfully they then had the time of their lives.” A source recently told The Sun that while Zara and Sam’s relationship may have been on the rocks during filming, they appeared happy at the time. “Zara and Sam were really happy and in love when they agreed to take part in the Midnight Gameshow,” the insider shared.
Zara’s candid remarks shed light on the surreal circumstances of the segment and its timing with her highly publicized split, leaving fans to piece together the timeline of the relationship’s end.