Zara McDermott’s past controversies have resurfaced online amid growing speculation surrounding her reported relationship with former One Direction singer Louis Tomlinson and viral photos involving Joey Essex.

The latest discussion began after images circulated on TikTok and X appearing to show McDermott and Essex sharing a close moment linked to an upcoming television project.

One widely shared photograph appeared to show Essex kissing McDermott, prompting online debate among fans. Neither McDermott, Essex nor Tomlinson has publicly addressed the speculation.

As the rumours spread, social media users began revisiting several past controversies connected to McDermott’s public career.

Among them were comments she made during a 2018 BBC debate discussing Brexit and immigration. In the resurfaced clip, filmed shortly after her appearance on Love Island, McDermott described herself as “pro-Brexit” and spoke about concerns regarding immigration and public services.

Fans also resurfaced a separate controversy from 2018, when McDermott apologised after posting an Instagram video in which she sang along to lyrics containing the N-word from Chris Brown’s “Look At Me Now”.

The video was later deleted following backlash online. At the time, she wrote, “I am genuinely sorry to have offended anyone.”

The renewed scrutiny has also brought attention back to McDermott’s previous admission that she cheated during her relationship with Sam Thompson, which later became a major storyline on Made In Chelsea.

McDermott, who later transitioned into documentary presenting and broadcasting, has remained a frequent topic of online discussion as interest surrounding her reported connection to Tomlinson continues to grow.