Zara McDermott and Joey Essex were spotted sharing a sweet, friendly moment as they left the wrap party for Cooking With The Stars, the ITV celebrity cooking series that has brought together some of the UK’s most familiar faces. The former Love Island star, 29, received a warm kiss on the cheek and a tight embrace from the 35-year-old ex-TOWIE cast member, sparking speculation among fans and onlookers.
The pair were photographed at the reception of a recording studio on Monday, May 19, following the conclusion of a week-long filming schedule that included a host of celebrity contestants. Despite Zara currently dating former One Direction star Louis Tomlinson, the on-air friends seemed relaxed and affectionate as they bid each other goodbye.
Zara, demonstrating her signature casual-chic style, wore a white crop top that showcased her toned abs, paired with classic jeans and a black leather jacket. Minimal makeup and her loose brunette hair completed the look, blending daytime comfort with a touch of glamour. Joey opted for casual streetwear, donning a black zip-up hoodie, light-blue jeans, and carrying both a Supreme duffel bag and a Net-A-Porter shopping bag.
According to sources close to the pair, their friendship blossomed during the filming of the show. “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,” one insider told The Sun. The series will also feature JLS’ JB Gill, Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, comedian Seann Walsh, and Happy Mondays’ Bez, promising a mix of celebrity personalities and friendly competition.
Fans and the media were quick to note the affectionate exchange between Zara and Joey, but insiders insist that the moment was entirely platonic. Their connection, forged through shared experiences on set, appears to be one of mutual respect and camaraderie rather than romance. Joey, who has no publicly confirmed relationship, made it to the semi-final of Celebrity Masterchef seven years ago and has since cultivated a reputation as a friendly, approachable reality TV figure.
For Zara, the timing of the wrap-party exchange is layered with personal challenges. She has been dating Louis Tomlinson, 34, since last year following her 2024 split from Made in Chelsea star Sam Thompson after a five-year relationship. Sources note that Zara has been extremely supportive of Louis’ career, traveling with him for tours and attending public appearances. However, her devotion has often been met with relentless scrutiny from Louis’ dedicated 1D fanbase.
Fans, protective of the former boy band star, have been vocal online, criticizing Zara for being either too present or not present enough. According to insiders, she often faces contradictory reactions: if she travels with Louis, she is accused of “following him around” like a hanger-on; if she doesn’t, she is criticized for not being supportive enough. The source told The Sun, “She can’t win with his fans. It’s a constant push and pull, but Louis is extremely supportive and reassures her.”
Despite the trolling, Zara has maintained a positive and resilient public persona. She recently traveled with Louis to Milan for one of his sold-out shows, sharing photos of the experience online. Unfortunately, some fans responded with cruel commentary, questioning her career choices and insinuating that her presence was purely opportunistic. Comments on social media ranged from mocking remarks like, “Do you have a proper job or is your job using Louis for money?” to personal attacks implying embarrassment at her loyalty.
Through it all, Zara has remained focused on balancing her personal life with her professional endeavors. As a documentary presenter and former reality TV star, she has cultivated her own career while also supporting Louis’ global music endeavors. Her recent affectionate moment with Joey Essex appears to be a testament to her ability to maintain platonic friendships and a professional network, even under intense public scrutiny.
Zara’s style during the wrap-party farewell also drew attention. Her ab-flashing crop top, leather jacket, and relaxed jeans ensemble reflected confidence and ease — a subtle statement amid a whirlwind of professional obligations and fan scrutiny. Joey’s casual streetwear, coupled with his signature approachable demeanor, further emphasized the playful, friendly nature of their on-set camaraderie.
The wrap-party moment comes at a time when Zara is navigating both career opportunities and her high-profile relationship. Sources describe Louis as “extremely supportive” of Zara’s professional pursuits and personal friendships. Despite the trolling, the couple’s relationship remains strong, and Zara continues to be recognized as one of the most poised and articulate figures in UK reality television circles.
Industry insiders note that such moments between colleagues are common in television, particularly in formats like Cooking With The Stars, where contestants spend extended periods together, cooking, filming, and socializing. Friendly gestures like hugs and cheek kisses are often expressions of camaraderie, relief at completing filming, or simply personal warmth — rather than indications of romance.
Public and media fascination with Zara and Joey’s interaction also underscores a broader trend in celebrity culture: audiences are highly attuned to even the smallest gestures, interpreting them through the lens of relationships, rumors, and fan expectations. In Zara’s case, the challenge is compounded by the passionate fanbase of her partner, which magnifies scrutiny of any interaction with male colleagues.
Despite the noise, insiders maintain that Zara’s relationship with Joey is nothing more than friendship. “It’s all very innocent. They just got along really well during filming and developed mutual respect,” a source explained. Their on-set rapport, highlighted by laughter, shared experiences, and friendly banter, translated into a warm farewell at the wrap party.
Meanwhile, the broader cast of Cooking With The Stars — including JB Gill, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Seann Walsh, and Bez — has reportedly enjoyed a positive and collaborative filming environment. This atmosphere allowed Zara and Joey to form a genuine, platonic bond, which was visible to cameras and staff alike.
For viewers, the farewell moment provides both entertainment and insight into celebrity friendships. It showcases how stars navigate personal and professional dynamics under the public eye, balancing authenticity with audience expectations. Zara’s professionalism and approachable demeanor, combined with Joey’s charm, created a moment that was widely shared and discussed across social media.
Ultimately, the scene between Zara McDermott and Joey Essex highlights the intersection of friendship, professional collaboration, and media perception in the world of reality television. While fans may speculate, insiders emphasize that the interaction was purely platonic, rooted in shared experiences during a challenging and entertaining filming schedule.
As Cooking With The Stars prepares for broadcast, moments like Zara and Joey’s affectionate farewell provide viewers with a glimpse behind the scenes, revealing the human connections that form in high-pressure, high-profile production environments. These gestures, while minor in isolation, resonate because they reflect authenticity, warmth, and camaraderie — qualities often obscured in celebrity narratives dominated by speculation.
For Zara, balancing her public image, relationship with Louis, and career opportunities continues to be a delicate act. The affectionate moment with Joey Essex demonstrates her ability to maintain friendships and professionalism, even amid intense scrutiny. Fans and media alike will undoubtedly continue to watch her every move, but insiders say Zara’s focus remains on her career, her relationship, and maintaining the kind of authenticity that has earned her widespread respect.
