Zara McDermott’s ex Sam Thompson risks awkward on-pitch run in with Louis Tomlinson as they’re announced for Soccer Aid – amid fan speculation she is secretly ‘dating’ the singer

Zara McDermott’s ex Sam Thompson could potentially risk an awkward on-pitch run-in with Louis Tomlinson on Soccer Aid amid fan speculation she’s secretly ‘dating’ the One Direction hunk.

MailOnline revealed Sam and Zara split in December after five years together, with the Strictly star revealing shortly after that she had moved out of their Chelsea home. 

It has since been suggested that Zara may have moved on to the boyband star with Louis’ fans on Reddit sharing unfounded theories that they could be dating after noticing that they follow each other on Instagram. He only follows 336 accounts and Zara is one of them.

And in the wake of the speculation, Sam and Louis could be set for an uncomfortable encounter after both being announced as part of this year’s star-studded Soccer Aid line-up.

Both guys are both playing for England in the charity football match in June, and if the rumours about Louis and Zara turn out to be true, it could make for some very awkward locker room moments. 

They’ll join the likes of Tyson Fury, Jill Scott, Grennan and Paddy McGuinness in the star-studded squad, while Wayne Rooney will step out of retirement as one of the managers.

Zara McDermott ‘s ex Sam Thompson could potentially risk an awkward on-pitch run-in with Louis Tomlinson on Soccer Aid amid fan speculation she’s secretly ‘dating’ the One Direction hunk

Sam and Zara split in December after five years together, with the Strictly star revealing shortly after that she had moved out of their Chelsea home

Amid fans theories surrounding Zara and Louis, Reddit users also claim that Louis’s sisters, including make-up artists Lottie Tomlinson, and twins Daisy and Phoebe, follow Zara too.

One fan wrote on Reddit: ‘I’ve read a lot of rumours that Louis is in a relationship with Zara McDermott.

‘They recently started to follow each other on Instagram. She follows all of his sisters, and they follow her back.’

Another said: ‘Louis is having a concert in London today, and I’m just waiting for Zara to be spotted there or that she post a story from the concert.’

Other fans weren’t convinced though as they speculated that the connection could be more to do with her working on a new documentary involving his sisters.

They penned: ‘I also heard rumors that she’s part of the rumored series the twins are trying to get going, so fingers crossed it’s more about that.’,

‘I’m seeing a lot of people posting that they think they are dating. Just because he followed her? Weird! I’m sure he follows a lot of people.’

A representative for Zara has been contacted by MailOnline for comment. 

Both guys are both playing for England in the charity match in June, and if the rumours about Louis and Zara turn out to be true, it could make for some very awkward locker room moments

On Reddit lots of Louis’s fans have shared unfounded theories that they could be dating after noticing that they follow each other on Instagram (pictured in March)

One fan wrote on Reddit, according to The Sun: ‘I’ve read a lot of rumours that Louis is in a relationship with Zara McDermott’

Other fans weren’t convinced though as they speculated that the connection could be more to do with her working on a new documentary involving his sisters

Fans are convinced that Zara has already moved on from Sam after their split was revealed in December 

It comes after Zara and Lucien Laviscount set tongues wagging at the BRITs earlier this month after they were spotted getting cosy at the star-studded music bash.

The newly single Zara was seated next to the Emily in Paris heartthrob for the entire ceremony and lapped up the attention she received from him.

An insider said: ‘Lucien was making his move. He was chatting her up all night, whispering in her ear and dancing with her.

‘He seemed really smitten. Zara clearly enjoyed his company as she couldn’t stop smiling and laughing.’

Awkwardly her ex Sam was seated just a few tables away from the Love Island beauty, as she dazzled in a stunning white gown with feather detailing which boasted a daring thigh high split.

He was joined on the Hits radio exclusive table with his best pal Pete, former Love Islander Olivia Attwood, and actress Gemma Atkinson.

But it was only Lucien, 32, which captured Zara’s eye in his striking all white ensemble which perfectly matched Zara’s white dress.