Sam Thompson has been photographed with his reported new love interest, Sami Elishi. (Image: INSTAGRAM)
Sam Thompson has been spotted packing on the PDA with Love Island’s Samie Elishi on the streets of London, further fuelling dating rumours. The pair were pictured sharing a kiss outside the swanky restaurant, Bacchanalia, on Saturday (May 3) by the paparazzi.
32-year-old Sam is newly single, having called it quits with his former girlfriend and ex-Made In Chelsea co-star Zara McDermott, 28, late last year. The ex-couple, who were in a five-year relationship, lived together in West London but have yet to comment publicly on the reason behind the break-up.
Following his and Zara’s split, Sam recently revealed he was back on the dating scene, having asked his best friend Pete Wicks for advice. Last month, it was also reported that he’d invited 25-year-old Samie to Chelsea for Easter weekend.
Now, in pictures obtained by The Sun, the couple have seemingly gone public with their presumed relationship. The new duo were attending Olivia Attwood’s 34th birthday bash on Saturday night, stepping outside at one point to share an intimate moment with one another.
Regarding their alleged blossoming romance, a source told the publication: “Sam found the split and its public fall-out very hard but Samie has put a smile back on his face. She is a stunning girl and he’s told a few pals about her. He seems excited.”
Samie was one of the celebrities in attendance a Olivia Attwood’s 34th birthday party in London. (Image: INSTAGRAM)
Sam and Samie were also joined at the Loose Women panellist’s party in Mayfair by Strictly Come Dancing’s Pete, 37, and fellow Love Island alumna Georgia Harrison, 30.
The Mirror reports that the new couple eventually headed to Stringfellow’s together for the afterparty and were spotted linking arms while waiting for their cab to arrive.
Speaking about going on his first date after his split from documentary maker Zara, the I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! star said: “I was so nervous that I messaged Pete and he sent me a list of things I need to do.
“It’s my first date since I’ve been single. I’m on my way to the date, I’ve called Pete and he’s said ‘don’t overthink it, just enjoy it’,” he confessed on his podcast, Staying Relevant.
“’Do I wait for her inside or is that overthinking it? He went ‘Yep, that’s overthinking it exactly, go inside, get yourself a drink and chill, staying outside like a weirdo on the street. Text her and ask her what she’d like to drink, so it’s sat on the table waiting for her’.
“‘I then replied saying ‘such a good idea’ and Pete said ‘look her in the eye and say she looks stunning, it’s the basics’.”
Meanwhile, Samie, who first rose to fame as a contestant on Love Island season nine, recently told The Sun that she “loved” being a single woman.
The reality TV star rose to fame on the ninth season of Love Island (Image: INSTAGRAM)
“I’m quite a relationship person, so a boyfriend would be nice eventually, no one wants to be alone. But I love being single at the same time, I love my girls… I love a bit of both. I feel like I am a relationship person, so naturally.”
She continued: “I enjoy life in general right now, I am really happy. I think I said on Love Island, the guy I’m looking for has to be ambitious, kind and look after himself, like go to the gym.”
Previous to her rumoured romance with Sam, the Islington-born star dated Macclesfield footballer Thomas Clare. Thomas and Samie, who placed third during their stint on the beloved ITV2 dating show, announced their split in April 2023.
This year, the former estate agent coordinator appeared as a contestant on the second series of Love Island: All Stars.
On the programme, hosted by Maya Jama, Samie entered the villa as a ‘bombshell’ on Day 22 alongside Chuggs Wallis. She was dumped from the island five days later
Express.co.uk has reached out to representatives of Sam Thompson, Zara McDermott and Samie Elishi for further comment.