The former couple, who lived together in a Chelsea townhouse, announced their split earlier this year and Zara has since been rumoured to be close to a One Direction star

Zara McDermott’s latest ‘shock move’ could result in a ‘really awkward’ encounter with her ex-boyfriend Sam Thompson.

The former couple, who lived together in a Chelsea townhouse, next door to Sam’s sister Louise Thompson, announced their split earlier this year.

However Love Island star Zara – who is rumoured to be dating Louis Thompson – has now bought her own two-bedroom flat, which a source said was “weirdly” close to where she lived with I’m A Celebrity winner Sam.

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Zara’s new home was thought to have cost her a cool £500,000, the Mirror reports.

A source told the Sun: “She bought it two weeks ago under her company name, it’s a two bed flat in a nice area and weirdly, not that far from where she lived with Sam.

“It will make it really awkward when they cross paths at the local pub or in a coffee shop, though.”

Eagle-eyed fans are now convinced Zara had a new beau after spotting some telling clues on Instagram.

One Direction’s Louis was following the Strictly Come Dancing star, as were his sisters Lottie, Daisy and Phoebe.

A recent Reddit post took a closer look at the theory, with the forum user writing: “I’ve read a lot of rumours that Louis is in a relationship with Zara McDermott.

“They recently started to follow each other on Instagram. She follows all of his sisters, and they follow her back.

“Obviously, following a person on Instagram doesn’t mean that people are in a relationship. But, I just find it weird.”

Others have slammed the speculation, including one who said: “I‘m seeing a lot of people posting that they think they are dating.

“Just because he followed her? Weird! I’m sure he follows a lot of people.”

Zara’s representative has been contacted by the Mirror for comment.