Sam Thompson posted gushing message about being with Zara McDermott ‘forever’ just TWO weeks before shock split

SAM Thompson posted a gushing message about Zara McDermott just two weeks before their shock split.

Today the Mail Online reported the couple have gone their separate ways as they focus on their careers.

The surprising news follows a loved-up post by Sam as the couple celebrated Zara's birthday with a posh meal in London.

He wrote: "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, the relationship was to end just days later.

A source close to the couple told MailOnline: "Sam and Zara have ended their relationship. It's been an incredibly difficult decision for them to part ways, they still care and have a lot of love for each other.

"But after a tough year of working hard at their romance, they have split and will be focusing on their individual careers going forward into 2025.

"There has been no scandal or fallout between them, it's just the result of a difficult year, where they both had to spend a lot of time focused on their own projects."

Following the split, Sam joined some of his Made In Chelsea pals for a wild New Year as Zara stayed in their Chelsea home.

The TV star, 32, was seen in a pub making a toast as Reza Amiri-Garroussi filmed.

Sam and Reza were joined by a group of pals at Kensington Rooftop Gardens, including MIC star Josh Patterson.

In his speech, I’m A Celeb winner Sam said it was going to be a "memorable evening" as he told his reality telly pals how lucky he was to be spending New Year with them.

The night started off with some relaxed drinks, but Reza filmed things escalating as the clock struck midnight.

While Sam was out partying, Zara McDermott stayed home with her cat and took a photo, writing "Happy New Year."

On Christmas Day, Sam hinted at personal issues behind the scenes as he delivered presents around the capital with no mention of Zara.

He wrote: "Bit of a different Christmas this year. I got put in touch with a charity. The camila batmanghelidjh foundation to be exact. They were struggling this year after the sad passing of camila, and I was lucky enough to get the call up to deliver gifts across London to possibly the nicest, most selfless bunch of people I’ve ever met.

"What could have been another standard Christmas has turned out to be one that I’ll never forget! Thank you everyone that let me into your homes, and to be honest I think there’s no doubt I’ll be back next year if you’ll have me!"

However, she later spoke of her pride about his efforts, writing: "So proud of you, it’s so lovely that you chose to give up your Christmas Day to help others."