Zara McDermott and Joey Essex were spotted sharing a tender goodbye after the wrap party for the upcoming series of Cooking With The Stars, in which both are set to appear as contestants.
A Warm Farewell
The former Love Island star, 29, received a kiss on the cheek and a warm embrace from the ex-TOWIE cast member, 35, as they went their separate ways on Monday evening. The reality stars were seen in the reception area of a recording studio after celebrating the conclusion of a week-long filming project alongside other celebrity contestants.
Zara, who is currently dating former One Direction star Louis Tomlinson, wrapped her arms around Joey as they hugged goodbye. The documentary presenter wore an ab-flashing white crop top paired with jeans and a leather jacket to complete her look. She opted for minimal make-up and wore her brunette hair loose.
Joey, carrying a Supreme duffel bag and a Net-A-Porter carrier bag, was dressed in a black zip-up hoodie with light blue jeans.
Celebrity Line-Up
According to The Sun, Zara and Joey will compete alongside JLS's JB Gill, Gladiators' Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, comedian Seann Walsh, and Happy Mondays' Bez. Scarlett Moffatt, Laura Kenny, Caroline Quentin, and former Strictly star Karen Hauer are also reportedly part of the line-up. An ITV spokesperson stated: 'The full line up will be announced in due course.'
Romantic Lives
Joey is not currently in a public or confirmed romantic relationship. Zara has been dating Louis Tomlinson, 34, since last year, following her split from Made In Chelsea's Sam Thompson in 2024 after five years together.
Last month, it was reported that Zara faces a secret struggle in her relationship, feeling she 'can't win' with Louis's 'possessive' fans. She has been a supportive partner, travelling with him to Denmark for the latest leg of his world tour. However, she reportedly endures 'incessant' trolling from Louis's dedicated One Direction fanbase.
A source told The Sun that Zara is stuck between a rock and a hard place: she is criticised for 'following Louis around' if she joins him on tour, or attacked for 'not supporting him' if she doesn't. The source added: 'She's either accused of "following" Louis around the world or is slated for not being a supportive enough girlfriend.'
The couple are said to be head over heels for each other, and Louis is extremely supportive of Zara, but his fans are 'possessive' and feel no girl is good enough for him. The source remarked: 'Unfortunately for Zara, dating Louis comes with incessant trolling from fans who are vocal about their disdain online.'
Sharing photos from a recent trip to Milan for Louis's sold-out show, Zara received cruel comments from trolls, including remarks like: 'I'd be embarrassed if I were my boyfriend's pet that follows him everywhere,' and 'Do you have a proper job or is your job using Louis for money?' The Daily Mail contacted representatives for Louis and Zara for comment at the time.
