Four months after his high-profile breakup from Zara McDermott, Made in Chelsea star Sam Thompson is stepping back into the dating world. The 32-year-old revealed on his podcast Staying Relevant that he recently enjoyed his first date since the split, admitting he felt 'absolutely terrified' but is slowly finding his groove again.
Speaking with best friend Pete Wicks, Sam detailed the pre-date panic and the advice Pete gave him. 'I was so nervous I actually messaged Pete,' Sam said. 'He sent me this adorable list of advice.' Pete suggested Sam text the mystery woman to ask what drink she would like so it could be waiting when she arrived, and told him to compliment her and maintain eye contact 'but not in a serial killer way.'
After the date, Pete received a debrief phone call. 'I could tell you nailed it,' he said proudly. Sam confessed to a few awkward moments, including accidentally blurting out how nervous he was while on the phone to a producer just as the woman walked in. 'She heard me,' he laughed.
Sam also opened up about his self-esteem post-breakup. 'I'm fully aware I looked like s**t,' he said bluntly. 'I've seen the videos. I'd tell myself, “Mate, you've really let yourself go.”' But he added that he is now 'back in a place where I feel genuinely happy and confident again.'
The newfound confidence may be linked to Love Island star Samie Elishi. Over Easter weekend, Sam was spotted with Samie at the King's Road Fine Food Market. Sources say sparks are flying between the pair, and it is likely that Sam's first date was with Samie, who appeared on Love Island All Stars earlier this year.
The pair reportedly started chatting via Instagram after Sam's split from Zara. 'They really like each other,' a source said. 'Sam wasn't trying to hide it and introduced Samie to Chelsea – that says a lot.' Their romantic outing comes as Zara continues to make headlines for moving on with former One Direction member Louis Tomlinson.
