Romance is in the air for reality TV star Zara McDermott and former One Direction singer Louis Tomlinson, with an exclusive source revealing the couple could be heading for the altar.
A Love Story Blossoming
The pair, who began dating just 10 months ago and made their relationship Instagram-official last summer, are reportedly more in love than ever. The speculation intensified after Zara celebrated her 29th birthday in December by posting a cosy snap with Louis, captioning it: “The best birthday ever with you & the final year of my 20s.”
Now, a close source claims the smitten singer is on the verge of proposing. “You’ve never seen a couple so in love with each other,” the insider revealed. “They’re so blissfully in love and I think we could be hearing wedding bells soon.”
A Pillar of Support Through Tough Times
Zara, a former Strictly Come Dancing contestant and documentary maker, entered Louis's life at a pivotal moment. The Doncaster-born star has endured a prolonged period of personal grief, including the tragic loss of his mother Johannah Deakin to leukaemia in 2016 and his sister Félicité to an accidental overdose in 2019.
This was compounded by the devastating death of his former One Direction bandmate, Liam Payne, in October last year, which left Louis “beyond devastated”. In a moving tribute at the time, the 34-year-old father wrote: “I’m really struggling with the idea of saying goodbye.”
Our source explains that Zara has been a “great comfort” and a “breath of fresh air” during this challenging period. “She’s seen what he’s been through, with all the grieving, and she really respects him,” they said. “He’s totally smitten with her. This is true love and not a showbiz romance.”
Family Approval and Future Plans
The relationship has received a warm family welcome. In early December, Louis's twin sisters, Daisy and Phoebe, 21, announced on their podcast that Zara would be spending Christmas with the family, hinting at her integration into the Tomlinson clan.
Louis himself has credited Zara with inspiring his new album, telling Steven Bartlett’s podcast: “I’m a deeply, deeply romantic person... if I wasn’t feeling so good, like right now, I wasn’t feeling so in love, the record probably would have a slightly different feel to it.”
The source suggests this serious commitment stems from Louis's perspective on life. “[Zara] is The One and I think he’s realised life is very short and you’ve got to do something about it if you’re happy.” They even hinted at future family plans, saying we “could even see a little Louis running around” soon.
Despite Louis's global fame, the couple reportedly enjoys a simple life away from the spotlight. “They just like cuddling up, watching Netflix, going for walks,” the source shared, contrasting it with Zara's previous, more glamorous relationship with Made In Chelsea alum Sam Thompson.
For Zara, who faced public scrutiny over her past relationship, this chapter appears transformative. “You’re witnessing a different Zara,” the source concluded. “She just has a huge love for Louis and he can see how kind and understanding she is.”
