Zara McDermott has officially “hard launched” her relationship with Louis Tomlinson, sending fans into a frenzy after posting a PDA-filled selfie on Instagram Monday night. The former Love Island star, who was first romantically linked to the One Direction singer earlier this year, sealed the speculation with a cheeky kiss pic captioned simply with a red heart emoji.
While the pair had been spotted enjoying a low-key date months ago, this is the first time they’ve confirmed their relationship on social media — and fans couldn’t get enough. Comments poured in with messages like: “LOVE YOU GUYS,” “Favourite couple,” and “OMFG THE HARD LAUNCH.” Even Zara’s Strictly Come Dancing pal Ellie Leach chimed in with: “soooooo here for this.”
The couple went Instagram official back in June after being seen getting cosy at Glastonbury Festival, where they shared an affectionate moment in a TikTok video — Louis wrapping his arms around Zara as she leaned back into him, soaking up the music.
But their relationship hasn’t been without its drama. In June, Louis and Zara’s ex-boyfriend Sam Thompson had a tense encounter at Soccer Aid after reportedly trying to keep things civil during pre-match “peace talks.” Zara and Sam had split in December after five years together, and Zara moved out of their shared home.
Reflecting on the public scrutiny, Zara told The Sun that the obsession with her love life has been “frustrating,” saying, “The only thing in my life worth writing about is the work I do.”
Despite her glam online presence, Zara revealed she’s shifted her focus away from social media aesthetics, valuing authentic relationships over curated images. “I’m a totally different person to the one I was at 21,” she shared. “My day-to-day life is not at all glitz and glamour.”
And in a subtle nod to her new romance, Zara was recently seen in an Instagram story wearing a delicate gold necklace featuring the initial “L” — a likely tribute to Louis.
Their love story might have started in whispers, but now it’s loud and clear: Zara and Louis are the real deal.
