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ZARA'S TEARS
Zara McDermott spotted crying in the street after crisis talks with Sam Thompson as pals fear they are splitting up
The model was heard yelling into her mobile leaving onlookers shocked
STRICTLY star Zara McDermott was spotted weeping in the street after bust-up crisis talks with boyfriend Sam Thompson.
The emotional public display comes after we revealed last Sunday how he broke down at a TV awards event.
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And pals fear they are on the verge of splitting despite trying to patch things up last week.
Our exclusive snap shows Zara sobbing as she was overheard in the street yelling into her mobile: “I’m not feeling the way I need to feel and I’ve been putting it off.”
Zara, 27, was also pacing up and down the road on Thursday near the home she shares with Sam, 31, in West London — just days after we revealed she had walked out on him following a huge row.
An onlooker revealed: “Zara was wiping tears away from her face and crying in public.
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"She seemed to be in a bad way and clearly distressed.
"It was odd she was having such a personal conversation outside in broad daylight instead of at home.
“She was pacing up and down the same road holding a cup of coffee. She was beside herself.”
However, just hours later, Zara changed into a glamorous striped cream dress and heels to attend Wimbledon, but was accompanied by her father Alan, 60, instead of I’m A Celeb winner Sam.
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He then put a picture of himself on Instagram with a sad face emoji and the caption: “Feeling lonely…where are the neighbours?”
Zara McDermott strips down to her underwear for 'dream' modelling campaign amid relationship crisis with Sam Thompson
A source close to the couple said: “It’s been a tough week for Sam and Zara, but they are still in the process of trying to work through their issues.
“They’re pursuing every avenue, but the outcome is still up in the air.
"They need some time. There is a lot of love there, but they’re still young and finding their way amid the responsibilities of work.
“Zara, in particular, has had an emotional week and has been tearful, but has been trying her best to focus on work commitments.”
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An insider added that friends think they are on the verge of splitting despite trying to sort things out, saying: “She stayed over last Saturday night so they could talk about things but she is still going back and forth from her parents’ house to their home.”
The model had been away in Majorca on a job when she flew home last weekend for crisis talks over their relationship.
Sam was seen breaking down at the Tric Awards, where he was nominated for his Staying Relevant podcast, two days after Zara packed her bags following the row.
He said last week he had received some “upsetting news” that day which led to him being consoled by best pal Pete Wicks, 36, for half an hour at the TV event.
A source told The Sun on Sunday: “Since Christmas, Zara and Sam have been busy with work and have had little quality time to see each other.
"As a result, their relationship has suffered.”
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Zara started dating the Made In Chelsea star Sam in 2019, landing her a spot on the Channel 4 show.
They briefly split a year later when he discovered she had cheated on him with a music label boss she met while on The X Factor: Celebrity.
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Their reconciliation played out in scenes on Made In Chelsea, with Zara tearfully begging him to take her back.
The couple’s agents were approached for comment yesterday.
Sam Thompson and Zara McDermott's relationship timeline
May 2019: Sam confirms he's started dating Zara in an interview after she "slid into his DMs" - they go Instagram official a month later.
October 2019: Zara makes her Made In Chelsea debut alongside Sam
November 2019: Zara forms a Love Island supergroup with Wes Nelson, Eyal Booker and Samira Mighty for Celebrity X Factor.
December 2019: Zara and Sam hit their first rocky patch, with scenes airing on Made In Chelsea showing Sam trying to "salvage" the relationship.
April 2020: In new Made In Chelsea scenes, the couple are seen fighting for their relationship, with Sam vowing to give his "whole heart" to her.
July 2020: The couple seem back on track as they head on holiday to Mykonos together - with reports he's planning to propose.
September 10 2020: The MailOnline reports the couple have split, with Zara moving back to her parents' in Essex. The Sun reveals Zara cheated on Sam while on Celebrity X Factor.
October 19, 2020: Made in Chelsea scenes air showing Zara begging Sam to forgive her. It comes days after Zara posted a montage of her and Sam together, calling him the "love of her life".
November 2020: Rumours circulate they are secretly back together.
August 2021: Zara pivots her career into documentaries, being praised for one on revenge porn, before landing a hosting gig for BBC's Love In The Flesh.
September 2021: Sam says he trusts Zara again and they are going well.
March 2022: Zara and Sam start giving their London home a makeover.
August 2023: Zara lands spot on Strictly Come Dancing.
November 2023: Sam heads to Australia for I'm A Celebrity - later winning the show. Zara needs to stay in UK due to Strictly obligations.
May 2024: Couple spark engagement rumours as they look happier than ever on social media.
June 11 2024: Sam and Zara are seen having an explosive row after SoccerAid - though they later try to laugh it off.
June 29 2024: Sam seen being consoled by Pete Wicks at Tric Awards, with news later claiming he and Zara are in "crisis talks" after she walks out of their home.