Zara McDermott's very personal gift to Sam Thompson days before split as fans baffled

Former Love Island star Zara McDermott gave her boyfriend Sam Thompson a special gift just days before their split as they spent Christmas apart from each other

Just days before their split, Zara McDermott gifted boyfriend Sam Thompson a very personal present.

The couple have split following their almost six-year romance, having spent Christmas and New Year's Eve apart. They had lived together in a stunning London home and shared their beloved cats. However, over the past year the couple were spotted in a heated row and had "crisis talks".

Amid speculation of trouble in paradise, the pair shut down split rumours and even recently sparked signs of an engagement. Their split news has come at a surprise to some fans after Zara gifted Sam a very thoughtful present for Christmas. Despite spending the big day apart, Zara showed off an impressive duo of paintings that she had specially commissioned for Sam as a gift.

The Love Island star said: "Sam’s Xmas pressie from me! I wanted to get something super meaningful so I had these paintings made… they look a bit random but they are all the meaningful things he loves. They’re by @brittyflynn she’s absolutely incredible." Sam sacrificed his Christmas Day to help those in need - answering the call of a charity to lift spirits by delivering gifts - while Zara decided to spend the day with her family.

Over the summer, it was claimed the couple were having "crisis talks" about their relationship. Zara and Sam reportedly had a massive row, with the former Love Island star walking out of their London pad and heading to her family's home for a while. In August, the pair appeared to have patched things up as Zara celebrated Sam's birthday.

In December, they were both seen celebrating Zara's birthday where Sam gushed about spending the rest of his life with her. In his birthday message, Sam 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, as news of their split broke, Sam took to Instagram to declare 2025 will be "the best year ever". In a savage move, Sam filmed a video where he said: "New year! 2025 baby come on let's have it! I can't wait. The New year is going to be amazing and you're going to have the best year ever. And you know I'm always right," before appearing to kiss his camera.

Just days before Christmas, Sam was seen enjoying a festive outing with best mate Pete Wicks as they enjoyed the delights of a strip club. Last summer, a photo showed Zara appearing to shout at Sam in public after he represented England on the pitch for Soccer Aid 2024. In the images of the seemingly tense pair conversing in public, Zara could be seen animated as she wagged her finger at her beau following the star-studded afterparty.

Zara set the record straight regarding the 'argument' amid rumours of trouble in their relationship. "Why did this make me laugh so much btw," she wrote as she captioned the snap. "'Stop saying you should have scored!!!! You did your best and that's all that matters!!!! You need to stop doubting yourself!!! It looks like we are having an argument but I'm actually telling him positive affirmations in a very passionate manner! [laughing-face emojis]."

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