Zara McDermott and Sam Thompson clashed in ‘secret rows’ over ‘insecurity’

Earlier this month, it was reported that star and alum have .

This came after fans pointed out that the estranged couple spent most of the festive season separately.

New Year’s Eve saw the 2023 King of the Jungle Sam, 32, partying with his ex- co-stars Reza Amiri-Garroussi and Josh Patterson at London’s Kensington Roof Gardens. Meanwhile, Zara, 28, spent the evening at home with her cats.

As for Christmas, Sam volunteered for the Camila Batmanghelidjh Foundation, whereas the ex- spent time with her close family in Upminster, Essex.

Although the pair recently celebrated a number of career highs, it seems they struggled with cracks of “insecurity” in their relationship.

According to a “close friend” via : “Zara never felt like she was the priority with Sam. He always seemed to find someone or something to put before her.”

The outlet reported that: “Pals say they were torn further apart as they clashed about their future plans – as Sam’s ‘immature’ personality pushed him into the friend zone.

“It led to them spending Christmas apart before calling off their relationship for good.”

A second insider claimed: “Zara loved Sam, but things in the relationship weren’t right, they are both selfish in their own right and want to be successful in business as individuals – but of course that comes at a price.

“Sam is very childish – it’s even become a part of his ‘showbiz persona’ – but Zara feels as though she’s getting older and wants to start being taken more seriously.

“She knows she’ll want to start a family soon, but Sam thinks they’re both way too young and should focus on their careers,” they added to the outlet.

Sam first ended things with Zara in 2019 when he learned that she cheated on him with Brahim Fouradi while competing on The Celebrity X Factor.

This sparked a major divide in their fanbase when the confrontation took place in a 2020 episode of Made in Chelsea.