Zara McDermott is a British television personality, model, and documentary presenter who rose to fame after appearing on the hit reality show Love Island UK in 2018. Known for her stunning looks, intelligence, and evolving television career, Zara has successfully transitioned from reality star to one of the BBC’s leading young documentary filmmakers. By 2025, she will have become a respected media figure, balancing glamour with serious journalism and captivating millions of followers on social media.
Source: @shropshirestar
Early Life of Zara McDermott
Zara McDermott was born on June 16, 1997, in Essex, England, to parents Alan McDermott and Karen McDermott. Although she spent some of her early childhood in Australia, she was primarily raised in England. Zara attended local schools in Essex and later graduated with a degree in Journalism and Broadcasting, which helped lay the foundation for her later work in television production and presenting.
Before stepping into the entertainment industry, Zara worked as a government policy advisor for the UK Department of Education, under former Secretary of State Damian Hinds. Her early professional background gave her an understanding of social and political issues—skills that would later define her documentary work.
Career Highlights
Love Island UK (2018)
Zara started her TV career on ITV2’s Love Island in 2018. She joined the show on Day 15 and was voted off on Day 25, but her charm and confidence made her a fan favorite. The show helped her gain fame and grow a large social media following, opening doors to more work in TV and modeling.
Becoming a TV Presenter and Filmmaker
After Love Island, Zara appeared on shows such as Loose Women, Lorraine, and Politics Live, impressing audiences with her intelligence and confidence.
In 2020, she joined the BBC and began making powerful documentaries about real-life issues such as revenge porn, eating disorders, and online abuse.
Her popular documentaries include:
- Zara McDermott: Revenge Porn (2021)
- Zara McDermott: Disordered Eating (2022)
- Zara McDermott: Gaia: The Girl Who Died (2023)
- Zara McDermott: Inside Ibiza (2024)
Her work has been praised for its honesty and emotion. In 2024, she was nominated for a National Television Award for Best Authored Documentary.
Strictly Come Dancing (2023)
In 2023, Zara joined Strictly Come Dancing with professional dancer Graziano Di Prima. Her performance showed her determination, grace, and fun personality, winning praise from viewers.
Modeling and Brand Work
Along with her TV career, Zara is a successful model and influencer. She has worked with brands like Little Mistress London, Boohoo, and PrettyLittleThing. Her clothing lines reflect her stylish and confident personality.
By 2025, she will have over 2 million followers on Instagram, where she shares fashion, lifestyle, and travel content.
Personal Life of Zara McDermott
Zara McDermott’s love life has often been in the spotlight. She first dated her Love Island co-star Adam Collard, but they broke up in early 2019. Soon after, she began dating Sam Thompson from Made in Chelsea. The couple became one of the most loved pairs in British reality TV, often seen together at events and on social media.
Source: @metro.co.uk
In late 2024, their relationship faced problems, leading to a public breakup. Despite rumors and emotional moments shown on Made in Chelsea, both Zara and Sam said they had no hard feelings and wished each other well.
A New Chapter: Zara and Louis Tomlinson
In 2025, Zara made headlines again when she was spotted with Louis Tomlinson, the former One Direction star, in Malibu. The two were seen having dinner at Soho Beach House and later sharing a kiss outside Louis’s home. Zara later posted a selfie with Louis on Instagram, confirming their romance.
Net Worth (2025)
As of 2025, Zara McDermott’s estimated net worth is around $1.5 million USD. Her income comes from her work as a BBC presenter, brand endorsements, and social media partnerships. Her transition from reality TV to respected documentary presenter has made her one of the most successful Love Island alumni.
Physical Appearance
Zara McDermott stands at 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) tall and weighs approximately 58 kg (128 lbs). She maintains a fit and healthy lifestyle through regular workouts and balanced nutrition. Known for her natural beauty, Zara has admitted to having minor non-surgical enhancements but continues to advocate for a realistic approach to self-image. She has dark brown hair, hazel eyes, and an effortlessly elegant sense of style.
