Real-Life Love
Who Is Zara McDermott? All About Louis Tomlinson’s ‘Love Island’ Star Girlfriend
Louis Tomlinson officially has a new muse, and her name is Zara McDermott.
Well, the development might not be all that new — the couple sparked dating rumors months ago — but they did only just make their relationship Instagram official. On Monday, August 4, McDermott uploaded a selfie of herself and the musician locking lips.
Tomlinson, however, was the one to snap the photo, and he left no doubt about his feelings toward his girlfriend in the comments below. “I love you x,” he wrote. His sister Daisy and McDermott’s brother also chimed in. “Love love,” the former said, while the latter complimented the “beautiful couple.” They were among thousands of fans who also expressed their support.
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If you haven’t been keeping up with the rumor mill surrounding Tomlinson’s dating life — or you don’t watch British reality TV — you might be wondering who exactly McDermott is. Keep reading for everything we know about her, including her time on Love Island.
Who is Zara McDermott?
If you’re a longtime fan of Love Island, you might already recognize McDermott. She got her start in entertainment on the series, so she’s no stranger to attention from the public, which is sure to increase now that she’s publicly dating a One Direction alum. McDermott’s stint on that show kicked off the rest of her reality TV career, which has included appearances on The X Factor: Celebrity, Strictly Come Dancing, and Made in Chelsea.
McDermott has pivoted to TV presenting and documentary making for BBC. (In March, she investigated the Idaho college student murders for the outlet.) She’s also an ambassador for the domestic abuse charity Refuge, and she owns the clothing brand We Are Rise. Before fame, the Essex native worked as a Department of Education policy advisor.
When was Zara McDermott on Love Island?
The 28-year-old appeared on Season 4 of the British reality show, which aired in 2018. The villa bombshell paired up with Adam Collard until she was dumped from the island alone, though that wasn’t where their romance ended. (More on that below.)
How did Louis Tomlinson and Zara McDermott meet?
Tomlinson and McDermott haven’t revealed how they were first connected, though The Sun reported that fans think that Tomlinson’s sisters made the introduction. In March, they noted that McDermott and the singer’s three siblings mutually followed each other.
Regardless, Tomlinson and McDermott were first spotted together grabbing a bite at the Suffolk Hotel in March.
What have Louis Tomlinson and Zara McDermott said about their relationship?
Both have kept their romance under wraps until now, but Tomlinson referenced his relationship with McDermott in a July 4 X post. “The last few months have made it impossible to be on here,” he wrote. “All the conspiracy chat about my relationship, my son or even stretching sometimes to opinions on my Mum. It’s just too much and too hurtful for me to see! Thank you to everyone who always has my back!”
Who else have Louis Tomlinson and Zara McDermott dated?
The singer’s most famous relationship was with Eleanor Calder, whom he dated during his One Direction days. Their romance was one and off from 2011 to 2022. Tomlinson briefly dated Briana Jungwirth in May 2015, and the two had a son, Freddie, in 2016. About a month before Freddie arrived, the musician was linked to The Originals actress Danielle Campbell. They parted ways in 2017.
Tomlinson’s new girlfriend dated her Love Island costar Collard briefly after the show ended. In 2019, McDermott moved on with Sam Thompson, who starred alongside her in Made in Chelsea. They called it quits in 2024.
