Zara McDermott’s fury over online storm after ‘innocent’ pics with Joey Essex
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PICTURES of Zara McDermott embracing Towie star Joey Essex have gone viral – with furious One Direction fans accusing her of “cheating” on her boyfriend Louis Tomlinson.
The Love Island beauty, 29, was spotted with with ladies’ man Joey, 35, who gave her a friendly kiss goodbye on Saturday night – and now we can reveal the the truth behind their close friendship.
The pair have formed a tight-knit bond since meeting while starring together on ITV‘s Cooking with the Stars, but it’s led to an angry backlash from protective ‘Louies’ – diehard fans of the superstar singer, 34.
In images taken after filming wrapped on the reality show, Zara and Joey were seen together as he warmly leant in and kissed her cheek.
And sadly for Zara, her past infidelity while with her ex-boyfriend Sam Thompson has been unfairly used against her.
Louis has been consistently tagged in comments from fans “warning” him about Zara’s interaction with lothario Joey – known for his reality TV romances.
The original Essex playboy is still searching for his “salty potato” – his own slang for an attractive woman – despite a string of high-profile relationships.
Meanwhile, Zara has been in a long-term relationship with Louis since March 2025, months after her split from Made In Chelsea’s Sam.
Despite the hysteria surrounding their closeness, The Sun can reveal the pictures of them leaving Versa Studios in Acton, London, are “completely innocent”.
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.”
However, it dredged up some unhappy memories for Zara who was exposed for cheating on Sam in September 2019, with music boss Brahim Fourad, while appearing on a series of Celebrity X Factor.
The couple split, with the fall out played out publicly on Made In Chelsea.
Zara’s desperate bid to win back Sam became a popular meme with fans when she insisted he could forgive her, crying: “You can”.
They later rekindled their romance and put the break up behind them, but split for good after five years together.
A source told The Sun: “What happened on Celebrity X Factor was seven years ago when Zara was in her very early 20s.
“She’s a different person now and doesn’t deserve to have this constantly dragged back up.
“She’s head over heels in love with Louis and they’re totally committed to each other.”
Zara was also backed by loyal supporters who commented on the pictures of her with Joey, saying: “It’s only Zara’s friend nothing else! She is happy and she’ll never cheat on him.”
Another added: “Assumptions are the root of all evil. Leave her and Louis alone. Jeez.”
Zara and Joey became friends during filming on the sixth series of ITV’s Cooking with the Stars, hosted by Emma Willis and Tom Allen, which started at the beginning of last week.
Joey signed up to the show seven years after he appeared on Celebrity Masterchef.
He reached the show’s semi-finals back in 2019 after revealing his secret talent.
Meanwhile, Zara often shares her love of food on social media, posting cooking videos and recipes with followers.
She has described making dinner as her “love language”.
Zara has kept a dignified silence over the viral snaps. Alongside filming documentaries for the BBC, the presenter often travels with Louis who is on a world tour of How Did I Get Here? after releasing new music inspired by his other half.
However, some die-hard fans have struggled to accept Louis’ relationship – and the reaction to Zara’s friendly embrace with Joey proves just that.
It appears troublesome trolls are desperate to find any excuse to destroy Louis’ happiness.
The Sun has reached out to Zara and Joey’s reps for comment.