Sam Thompson and Zara McDermott shocked fans when news emerged of their split earlier this month. And while the former couple, who were together for five years before splitting last month, have remained quiet about their break-up, last week Sam, 32, opened up on his Staying Relevant podcast alongside pal Pete Wicks, telling the Essex heartthrob about his ‘incredible’ year – with no mention of former Love Islander Zara, 28.
Now, sources say that newly loved-up Pete – who is believed to be dating Maura Higgins – is determined to be a shoulder to cry on for Sam, and act as his wingman on nights out when he’s ready to move on.
An insider says, ‘They both love a good night out and Pete will still be Sam’s wingman when he needs him. Pete will definitely be on his best behaviour because he’s totally committed to Maura, but Sam is his best friend and he’ll be spending more time with him.
‘The last few weeks have been really tough for Sam and he’s been leaning on Pete for support. He’s also been joking that it’s just typical for Pete to find someone when he’s now unattached and, in time, will be back out on the town ready to party and have fun!’
Since the beginning of Sam and Zara’s relationship in 2019, Pete, 37, has always joked about his ‘third wheeling’ with the couple, describing how he felt ‘awkward’ about flying out to Australia with Zara to reunite with Sam after his win on I’m a Celebrity! in 2023.
But while he has grown close to Zara as a friend – even denying rumours of an affair between them when Sam was in the jungle – Pete made clear last week during an appearance on ITV’s Lorraine that his loyalty remains with his closest pal.
Updating fans following news of Sam’s split, Pete told host Lorraine Kelly, ‘He’s good as gold’, adding, ‘He’s the brother I never wanted.’
Now the source says that Pete – who was recently rumoured to be dating his Strictly Come Dancing partner Jowita Przystal before reigniting his romance with Maura – had been a close confidante to Sam when his long-term romance with Zara hit the rocks last year.
They add, ‘Pete could tell for a long time things just weren’t the same between Sam and Zara, and Sam spoke to Pete a lot. He’s his best mate and he really values his opinions on things.
‘Things are now a bit weird, because for a long time Pete was the single one, so it’s a total switch up. Sam really likes Maura though and sees that she makes Pete happy. It’s a complete role reversal.’