Sam Thompson opens up on his ‘hardest’ and ‘super stressful’ year amid his split from Zara McDermott

Sam Thompson has opened up about his ‘hardest’ and super stressful’ year amid his split with girlfriend Zara McDermott.

It was revealed earlier this week that the I’m A Celebrity winner, 32, and the former Love Island star, 28, have gone their separate ways after five years together, though neither have publicly commented on the break-up.

But in his latest Staying Relevant podcast with pal Pete Wicks, Sam hinted that 2024 was rather difficult amid the break-up as he looked back on the past 12 months.

The episode heard the pals make plans for 2025, with Sam gushing about his plans to expand their podcast and break more world records.

But when Pete asked him to reflect on 2024, Sam appeared to hint at the tough times as he responded: ‘This year has probably been the best year of my life so far, I would say. Hardest year, because there’s been a lot going on, it’s been super stressful.’

However, he then remarked how the year had been a blessing amid the career opportunities as he added: ‘But the year that I’ve been the most grateful for my an absolute mile.’

Sam Thompson has opened up about his ‘hardest’ and super stressful’ year amid his split with girlfriend Zara McDermott  

It was revealed earlier this week that the I’m A Celebrity winner, 32, and the former Love Island star, 28, have gone their separate ways after five years together

Meanwhile Zara revealed she was returning to work for the first time since their split was confirmed 

The star went on to list the things he’d been grateful for amid the past year as he mentioned his This Morning stint, his radio show and his podcast, however he failed to mention his former girlfriend of five years.

Continuing to reflect on 2024 while omitting Zara’s involvement, Sam added: ‘On a career note, it’s been the best year ever, so so incredible…

‘In terms of life, in a slightly more sombre thing, my sister’s health… she’s got better which is great, I’m very very grateful for that. In terms of family and stuff, everything’s good, everyone’s healthy and happy which is really nice. 

‘My nephew’s great, we’ve got a nice little bond. He’s getting to the age of Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings, which is where I come in!’

He also added that his best pal’s Strictly Come Dancing appearance had been a highlight. 

Meanwhile Zara revealed she was returning to work for the first time since confirming her separation.

Sharing a photo of herself alongside a handheld camera and boom, she wrote: ‘First day back at work, doing what I love & am so grateful for.’ 

Despite his relationship woes, Sam cut a cheerful figure as he shared a motivational message with his fans on Monday.

In his latest Staying Relevant podcast with pal Pete Wicks, Sam hinted that 2024 was rather difficult amid the break-up as he looked back on the past 12 months

Meanwhile, despite his relationship woes, Sam cut a cheerful figure as he shared a motivational message with his fans on Monday 

Taking to Instagram as he walked in the rain, the ex Made In Chelsea star promised his followers that they would have a ‘good day’. 

He said: ‘It may be raining, there may be ice sheets of rain in my eyeballs right now but I feel you’re going to have a really good day. 

‘You’re going to have a really good week – and I’m never wrong. I promise you, lets have it!’

He captioned his video: ‘Good morning for us all incoming’.

This isn’t the first positive video that Sam has shared since news of his break-up was revealed, with Sam returning to social media last week with an earnest promise to fans on New Year’s Day.

Sam was in a buoyant mood as he shared his first Instagram post since news of their separation emerged on Wednesday morning. 

Addressing followers in a short video filmed outside his London home, he said: ‘The new year’s going to be amazing. You’re going to have the best year ever, and you know I’m never wrong, I’m always right.’ 

Signing off with a kiss, he reiterated: ‘You’re going to have the best year ever.’ 

Hours earlier he celebrated New Year’s Eve by partying with his ex-Made In Chelsea co-stars Reza Amiri-Garroussi and Josh Patterson at London’s Kensington Roof Gardens, while ex-girlfriend Zara spent the evening at home with her cats.

It comes as it’s been reported that Sam and Zara split weeks ago and has already moved out of the couple’s London home. 

The Sun has revealed Zara has also jetted off on a secret trip to Paris for New Year’s as she takes some time to herself post break up. 

This isn’t the first positive video that Sam has shared since news of his break-up was revealed, with Sam returning to social media last week with an earnest promise to fans on New Year’s Day 

A source told the publication: ‘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.’

MailOnline have contacted Zara and Sam’s representatives for comment. 

It comes after fans were left convinced they know the real reason why the couple split after not spending Christmas together. 

The pair have gone their separate ways just one month after Sam shared a gushing post about his ‘soul mate’ Zara on her birthday. 

In the Instagram post, the radio presenter described Zara as his ‘best friend’ who is ‘stuck with him forever’.

It comes as it’s been reported that Sam and Zara split weeks ago and has already moved out of the couple’s London home 

Zara has also jetted off on a secret trip to Paris for New Year’s as she takes some time to herself post break up 

He penned: ‘My best friend, and soul mate….some would say my person. I’m afraid you’re stuck with me forever. happy birthday. I love you so much, and wow have I missed you over the past month! Here’s to another amazing year with you’. 

However, fans have now taken to the comments to say it was his lack of action that has prompted the pair to split as they said Sam should have asked Zara to marry him. 

They wrote: ‘In the words of Beyonce. If you like it then you should put a ring on it’; Propose, no time like the present; Mate, buy her a ring FFS;

‘If she is going to be with you forever, why not put a ring on it. What are you waiting for; Get a ring on that finger’.

Another questioned: ‘How can going to be together two weeks ago to splitting up days later…this is rather extreme!!’

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