Zara McDermott all smiles as she steps out following Sam Thompson split

Zara McDermott has been seen in public for the first time since splitting from boyfriend Sam Thompson, with the star putting on a brave face as she joined friends in Essex.

Zara McDermott appeared to be putting on a brave face this week as she was snapped out in Essex for the first time since her split from Sam Thompson was reported.

The reality star had been with Made In Chelsea alum Sam since 2019, with fans shocked when news of their split was reported over the festive season - which they spent apart. But Zara braved the cold on Tuesday as temperatures continued to plummet across the country.

She was seen rocking a black fur coat and grey Ugg boots, with her golden locks swept into a slick back ponytail. Zara appeared to be keeping in high spirits as she was seen laughing with friends and work colleagues. She also posted a picture to her Instagram Stories in a black workout set from her own Athleisure brand, Rise.

Sam and Zara, who share a West London home together and are parents to two cats, are yet to speak out on their break-up - with Zara seemingly throwing herself into work as she got back to filming for a new BBC documentary earlier this week.

The former couple first sparked worry that things were on the rocks when they spent Christmas and New Year's Eve together, with Sam spending the latter with some Made In Chelsea pals while Zara stayed home with their cats.

Following this, a source 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."

They continued to say that the couple had worked hard on their romance but that spending time away from one another had made it difficult and they're keen to spend time on their individual careers moving forward.

Sam and Zara were last seen together in December celebrating Zara's birthday as Sam shared a post calling her his "soulmate" and "best friend" - which even sparked engagement rumours as he jested "you're stuck with me forever now".

Showing that she's currently focused on work, Zara shared a picture to Instagram on Monday with a camera as she wrote: “First day back at work, doing what I love & am so grateful for.” Before starting up work again, Zara reportedly enjoyed a trip to Paris shortly after New Year's Eve, according to The Sun.

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."

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