Zara McDermott Targeted by Vicious AI Deepfake

found herself at the centre of a vicious deep-fake campaign on Tuesday evening after she was pictured accepting a platonic kiss from at a recent event. 

The former Love Island contestant, currently in a relationship with star , features alongside seasoned veteran Essex on the latest series of Cooking With The Stars. 

But she inadvertently sparked wild cheating rumours among Tomlinson's notoriously fickle fanbase after Essex gave her a parting kiss on the cheek as they exited a wrap party. 

The innocent exchange has also resulted in the emergence of an unsavoury online deep-fake featuring McDermott, 29, and her co-star locked in a passionate embrace. 

The TV personality is yet to comment publicly on the furore, while Tomlinson, 34, is currently on a month long break from touring his third studio album, How Did I Get Here?  

Fans have subsequently leapt to the TV personality's defence after her social media channels were flooded with unfounded accusations of infidelity. 

Taking to Instagram, one follower wrote: 'You are perfect, beautiful and gorgeous. Never let anyone dim your light. You are the sweetest, best person. 

'Never stop loving Louis Tomlinson because you and he are the best, and what's more, you are my favourite couple.' 

A second added: 'It definitely takes a lot of courage and grace to say nothing about the rumors and stay silent and not fuel any twisted narrative that people have. 

'They both don't owe anyone anything. What they do in their own lives is no one's business. Just because they are famous doesn't mean they owe us anything.' 

While a third wrote: 'I love your content Zara. I think you are beautiful, I love your cooking content, your documentaries and I'm tired of seeing hurtful comments which I'm sure would get to anyone. 

'Keeping being awesome, people are being negative when they don't feel good in themselves.'  

The TV personality is thought to have struck up a friendship with Essex while filming Cooking With The Stars,

A source close to the former TOWIE star told The Sun: 'Zara and Joey grew close during filming and have become good friends.

'They got on really well but it's all very innocent. There's nothing romantic there between them.'

According to The Sun, the pair will compete alongside JLS's JB Gill, Gladiators' Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, comedian Seann Walsh and Happy Mondays' Bez.

A spokesman for ITV said: 'The full line up will be announced in due course.'