Zara McDermott Caught in Social Media Storm Over Friendly Photos with Joey Essex
Zara McDermott has found herself at the centre of an online controversy after photos emerged of her sharing a friendly embrace with reality star Joey Essex. The images, captured after filming for ITV’s Cooking With The Stars, sparked outrage among fans of McDermott’s boyfriend, Louis Tomlinson of One Direction, who accused her of being unfaithful.
The 29-year-old Love Island alum was photographed leaving Versa Studios in Acton, London, with Essex, 35, sharing what appeared to be a friendly kiss on the head. While the moment was innocent, it has reignited past criticisms of McDermott’s relationships, particularly a previous infidelity during her time with ex-boyfriend Sam Thompson.
Sources close to Essex emphasised the purely platonic nature of their interaction. “Zara and Joey became close friends during filming. They have a genuine camaraderie, but there is nothing romantic between them,” one insider told The Sun.
Despite the backlash, McDermott remains in a committed relationship with Tomlinson, whom she has been dating since March 2025. The couple has frequently been seen together during the singer’s tours and public appearances, and insiders insist their relationship is strong and faithful.
The controversy highlights the often volatile nature of celebrity culture, where personal interactions can quickly become sensationalised. Social media users have been divided, with some defending McDermott’s actions and calling for respect of her relationship with Tomlinson, while others have scrutinised her past conduct.
McDermott has maintained a dignified silence in the face of the online storm. Her representative confirmed that both she and Essex were fully aware of the public perception and have continued with their professional commitments. Meanwhile, Louis Tomlinson has yet to comment publicly, though friends report he remains confident in his relationship.
The pair first formed a friendship while filming the reality cooking series, where McDermott has also shared her passion for culinary arts on social media, describing cooking as her “love language.” The show, hosted by Emma Willis and Tom Allen, has offered a platform for celebrities to display skills beyond their usual public personas, fostering unexpected friendships such as that between McDermott and Essex.
As the story circulates online, fans are reminded of the delicate balance celebrities must maintain between public appearances and private relationships. While innocent gestures can be misconstrued, close observers insist that McDermott and Tomlinson’s relationship remains unaffected by the brief social media storm.
