Zara McDermott puts on a brave face as she’s seen out for the first time since her split from Sam Thompson. 

The TV personality, 28, and her long-term boyfriend, 32, have parted ways after five years together. The couple are yet to publicly comment on their break-up. 

On Tuesday, Zara appeared in high spirits as she stepped out in Essex with friends and work colleagues. 

She wrapped up for the chilly weather in a black faux fur coat and blue jeans, teamed with grey UGG boots.

The outing comes hours after Zara looked happy as she posed next to a huge TV camera and revealed that she was working on another documentary.

She revealed that she has been working with BBC Three on a docu-series which explores toxic behaviours.

Zara McDermott puts on a brave face as she’s seen out for the first time since her split from Sam Thompson

On Tuesday, Zara appeared in high spirits as she stepped out in Essex with friends and work colleagues

The TV personality, 28, and her long-term boyfriend, 32, have parted ways after five years together. The couple are yet to publicly comment on their break-up

Zara explained that she hopes her documentary will be shown in school to teach them about toxic behaviours from a young age.

Sharing a snap in front of a sunset, Zara penned: ‘I am so grateful to be able to use my – platform to be able to make documentaries and make a difference in this world.

‘We have been working away behind the scenes for almost a year now creating a documentary series that looks into the impact of stalking on victims that are experiencing it right now.

‘I really hope this is another series that can be shown in schools as part of an educational piece around toxic behaviours.

‘This is a huge passion of mine. I wish there were more documentaries about violence against women when I was in school.

‘I really believe that by educating young people while they’re in their adolescence, we can start stamping out behaviours before they get into adulthood. I really hope this documentary makes a difference.’

While Zara appeared to be moving forward, Sam opened up about his ‘hardest’ and super stressful’ year.

In his latest Staying Relevant podcast with pal Pete Wicks , Sam hinted that 2024 was rather difficult amid the break-up as he looked back on the past 12 months.

She wrapped up for the chilly weather in a black faux fur coat and blue jeans, teamed with grey UGG boots

The outing comes hours after Zara looked happy as she posed next to a huge TV camera and revealed that she was working on another documentary

She revealed that she has been working with BBC Three on a docu-series which explores toxic behaviours

The episode heard the pals make plans for 2025, with Sam gushing about his plans to expand their podcast and break more world records.

But when Pete asked him to reflect on 2024, Sam appeared to hint at the tough times as he responded: ‘This year has probably been the best year of my life so far, I would say. Hardest year, because there’s been a lot going on, it’s been super stressful.’

However, he then remarked how the year had been a blessing amid the career opportunities as he added: ‘But the year that I’ve been the most grateful for my an absolute mile.’

The star went on to list the things he’d been grateful for amid the past year as he mentioned his This Morning stint, his radio show and his podcast, however he failed to mention his former girlfriend of five years.

Continuing to reflect on 2024 while omitting Zara’s involvement, Sam added: ‘On a career note, it’s been the best year ever, so so incredible…

‘In terms of life, in a slightly more sombre thing, my sister’s health… she’s got better which is great, I’m very very grateful for that. In terms of family and stuff, everything’s good, everyone’s healthy and happy which is really nice.

‘My nephew’s great, we’ve got a nice little bond. He’s getting to the age of Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings, which is where I come in!’

He also added that his best pal’s Strictly Come Dancing appearance had been a highlight.

The snap comes hours after Zara revealed her next career move following her split with her long-term partner Sam 

She looked happy as she posed next to a huge TV camera and revealed that she was working on another documentary

Zara and Sam began dating in 2019 after Made In Chelsea star Sam, 32, messaged Love Islander Zara, 28, on Instagram.

But it was reported last week that the pair have recently parted ways – though neither have publicly commented on the break-up.

It has been reported that Sam and Zara split weeks ago and has already moved out of the couple’s London home.

The Sun has revealed Zara has also jetted off on a secret trip to Paris for New Year’s as she takes some time to herself post break up.

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.’

MailOnline have contacted Zara and Sam’s representatives for comment.

It comes after fans were left convinced they know the real reason why the couple split after not spending Christmas together.

The pair have gone their separate ways just one month after Sam shared a gushing post about his ‘soul mate’ Zara on her birthday.

In the Instagram post, the radio presenter described Zara as his ‘best friend’ who is ‘stuck with him forever’.

Zara has also jetted off on a secret trip to Paris for New Year’s as she takes some time to herself post break up 

He penned: ‘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, fans have now taken to the comments to say it was his lack of action that has prompted the pair to split as they said Sam should have asked Zara to marry him .

They wrote: ‘In the words of Beyonce . If you like it then you should put a ring on it’; Propose, no time like the present; Mate, buy her a ring FFS;

‘If she is going to be with you forever, why not put a ring on it. What are you waiting for; Get a ring on that finger’.

Another questioned: ‘How can going to be together two weeks ago to splitting up days later…this is rather extreme!!’