Zara McDermott and Joey Essex were spotted saying a sweet goodbye after the wrap party for Cooking With The Stars in which they are both set to appear.
The former Love Island star, 29, received a kiss on the cheek and a warm embrace from the ex-TOWIE cast member, 35, as they went their separate ways on Monday.
The reality stars were seen in the reception of a recording studio after celebrating the end of a week-long filming project together with other celebrity contestants.
Zara, who is dating former One Direction star Louis Tomlinson, wrapped her arms around Joey as they hugged goodbye.
The documentary presenter was wearing an ab-flashing white crop top with jeans and a leather jacket to complete the look.
Zara opted for minimal make-up for the occasion and wore her brunette hair loose.
Zara McDermott and Joey Essex were spotted saying a sweet goodbye after the wrap party for Cooking With The Stars in which they are both set to appear
The documentary presenter was wearing an ab-flashing white crop top with jeans and a leather jacket to complete the look
The former Love Island star, 29, received a kiss on the cheek and a warm embrace from the ex-TOWIE cast member, 35, as they went their separate ways
Joey, who was carrying a Supreme duffel bag and Net-A-Porter carrier bag, was wearing a black zip-up hoodie with light blue jeans.
They are said to have struck up a friendship while filming the series and a source close to Joey told The Sun: ‘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 between them.’
According to The Sun, Zara and Joey will compete alongside JLS’ JB Gill, Gladiators’ Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, comedian Seann Walsh and Happy Mondays’ Bez.
Scarlett Moffatt, Laura Kenny and Caroline Quentin, former Strictly star Karen Hauer are also apparently in the line-up.
A spokesperson for ITV said: ‘The full line up will be announced in due course.’
Joey, who is not currently in a public or confirmed romantic relationship, made it to the semi-final of Celebrity Masterchef seven years ago.
Zara has shared cooking tutorials on her Instagram page in recent years.
Zara has been dating Louis, 34, since last year following her split from Made In Chelsea’s Sam Thompson in 2024 after five years together.
Last month, her secret struggle in their relationship was ‘revealed’ as it was reported she feels like she can’t win’ with his ‘possessive’ fans.
She proved to be his biggest supporter as she travelled with him to Denmark for the latest leg of his world tour.
But Zara is reportedly facing ‘incessant’ trolling from Louis’ dedicated 1D fanbase and feels she ‘can’t win’ with them – despite being head over heels for the singer.
Speaking to The Sun, a source said Zara is stuck between a rock and a hard place as she is slammed for ‘following Louis around’ if she goes on tour with him or attacked for ‘not supporting him’ if she doesn’t.
She reportedly ‘can’t win’ with his fans, with the source adding: ‘She’s either accused of ‘following’ Louis around the world or is slated for not being a supportive enough girlfriend.’
Is it ever fair for devoted fans to attack their favourite star’s partner online?
Joey, who was carrying a Supreme duffel bag and Net-A-Porter carrier bag, was wearing a black zip-up hoodie with light blue jeans
Joey is not currently in a public or confirmed romantic relationship
Zara began dating the One Direction star, 34, last year following her split from Made In Chelsea’s Sam Thompson
They went on to report the couple are head over heels for each other and Louis is extremely supportive of Zara, but his fans are ‘possessive’ and don’t think any girl is good enough to be with him.
‘Unfortunately for Zara, dating Louis comes with incessant trolling from fans who are vocal about their disdain online,’ they said.
Elsewhere the source added: ‘It’s hurtful and of course Zara would prefer it didn’t happen, but Louis is so supportive of her.’
Sharing a slew of snaps from a recent trip to Milan for Louis’ sold out show, Zara was met with cruel comments from trolls.
Some comments on the post read: ‘I’d be embarrassed if I were my boyfriend’s pet that follows him everywhere,’;
‘You don’t have a job? Why are you following Louis around lol,’; ‘do you have a proper job or is your job using louis for money?’
The Daily Mail contacted representatives for Louis and Zara for comment at the time.
