Sam Thompson reveals he’s co-parenting cats he shared with ex Zara McDermott – after ‘growing close to’ Netflix star

SAM Thompson and his ex-girlfriend Zara McDermott have come to a custody agreement over their pet cats.

Sam, 32, has confirmed that he and Zara, 28, are co-parenting their felines Albus and Cedric following their bitter split.

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Taking to Instagram, Sam posed for a picture while holding one of his fluffy cats.

He added an ’emotional face’ and red heart emoji alongside the caption: “Missed you!”

The snap came as former Love Island star Zara jetted off to Dubai for a sun-kissed holiday.

She has since been photographed in a stunning lace dress while sipping on a glass of wine.

It had previously been assumed that Zara had taken full custody of the cats after moving out of the West London home she shared with Sam.

Following her move, she had shared a picture of Cedric sprawled out on her bed and told fans that her pets were ‘her world’.

Sam, meanwhile, previously showed his adoration for their pets by likening them to his ‘children’.

During his 2023 stint in the I’m A Celebrity jungle, Sam said he understood Jamie Lynn Spears’ upset at leaving her children behind in the US.

Much to the amusement of IAC viewers, Sam told the singer: “I get it man, I’ve got two cats at home – Albus and Cedric – little fluffy men. Know what I mean? So I get it. Not kids, but I get it.”

Zara and former Made In Chelsea star Sam were together for five years before their split in December.

Despite their break-up being bitter, both stars appear to have now moved on.

Zara has been linked with One Direction star Louis Tomlinson after they were spotted at a county hotel together.

Sam, meanwhile, is said to have been “growing close” to Netflix star Lucy Syed.

Lucy, who was a runner-up on last year’s Too Hot To Handle, reportedly had an “instant connection” with Sam when they went on a date.

A friend told MailOnline: “Sam and Lucy were sharing direct messages over Instagram before they decided to meet up at a pub and then continue their night at The Rex Rooms.

“They looked really close in the club, chatting and cuddling up together.

“But their closeness continued after they spent the night partying together and the pair’s connection has certainly put a smile back on Sam’s face.

“Sam is enjoying being single again and dipping his toe back into the dating pool.”

The news of Sam’s new flame comes after ID’s Louis whisked Zara to a hotel in Aldeburgh, Suffolk, last month, where a fellow diner snapped them enjoying a romantic meal.

A source said at the time: “Louis whisked Zara away for a break in Suffolk and he absolutely charmed her.

“It’s clear he thinks she’s drop-dead gorgeous too.

“Louis is a proper gentleman so this trip was something he planned and put on for Zara.

“He was really thoughtful and wanted to make it special. They share the same values and are both incredibly close with their families.”

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