fairytale

THERE were plenty of skeptics when former Love Islander Zara McDermott struck up an unlikely romance with One Direction heartthrob Louis Tomlinson early last year.

But as Zara gives The Sun a rare insight into life with superstar Louis, it appears the couple have proved the naysayers wrong.

Zara and Louis were first spotted together in early March 2025, just two months after she split from partner of five years Sam Thompson.

At the time, the reality star and documentary-maker was subject to cruel trolling over the romance from Louis’ hardcore fanbase.

But sticking it out, not only is Zara seemingly stronger than ever with the musician, she’s ultra close to his famous sisters.

Walking the red carpet at last night’s Pride Of Britain Awards, Zara was arm in arm with Louis’ influencer younger sister Daisy.

“We’re going to have a big family Christmas this year, it’s rare that you get everyone in the same room, so it’ll be nice,” the duo tell me.

After confirming she’s looking forward to spending it with her other half and his clan, Zara admits: “I’ve had to try to figure out how to split my time between my family and Louis’ this year, it’s so difficult!”

As the pair discuss shopping for Louis – which Daisy assures is an easy task – Zara says in a rare gush: “He’s just a very happy person, he’s always happy. And he’s just always grateful.”

Despite being often seen at Louis’ California home, Zara – who noted how Louis’ siblings are her ‘sisters’ now – says the pair’s main residence is his North London home.

“It’s mostly London! I travel all over, but mostly London because that’s where all of my family and friends are.”

Zara and Louis keep their union famously private, with the pair only ever sharing a few snaps together online and rarely discussing one another.

However, she has dubbed the singer her “prince charming” – recently admitting: “I genuinely can’t even say one [irritating habit]. He’s like my Prince Charming. He’s like my fairytale.

“He is genuinely the most amazing person I’ve ever met in my life, he’s an inspiration to me in so many ways.

“He is the most empathetic, considerate, kind person. He will always think about every single other person before himself, and I think that is such a rare quality to find in someone.”

There are even rumours that the loved-up pair could soon announce they are engaged, but the presenter remains stubbornly tight-lipped about wedding bells.

That doesn’t mean the relationship has been without its challenges, with Zara widely trolled by Louis’ fans who, at the beginning of their relationship, accused her of “following” the popstar around.

When Zara posted snaps of herself in Italy, where Louis was performing at a sold-out concert in Milan, earlier this year – she was subjected to vile backlash.

At the time, a source told The Sun: “Zara can’t win with the trolls.

“She’s either accused of ‘following’ Louis around the world or is slated for not being a supportive enough girlfriend.

“It’s like she’s damned if you do, damned if you don’t.”

But keeping a dignified silence appears to have done the trick for Zara, who is proving to his fans that she certainly doesn’t seem to be going anywhere – and the whole Tomlinson clan are behind her.