Sam Thompson left speechless on first date with 'beautiful' woman after Zara split

Four months after his high-profile breakup from Zara McDermott, Made in Chelsea star is stepping back into the dating - and he’s doing it with newfound self-confidence and some help from his best friend .

Appearing on their popular podcast Staying Relevant, Sam, 32, opened up about his romantic reawakening, revealing he had recently enjoyed his first date since his split from Zara, 28, and despite feeling 'absolutely terrified', he’s slowly finding his groove again.

“I feel like I’m ready to get out there,” Sam admitted, reflecting on the emotional toll of his breakup. “I’ve been through a pretty tough time, but I’m finally at a point where I feel good, really good, and comfortable in my own skin.”

Fans of the duo’s podcast were treated to a behind-the-scenes peek at Sam’s return to dating, complete with a hilarious play-by-play of the pre-date panic. “I went on a date recently,” he began. “I was so nervous I actually messaged Pete. He sent me this adorable list of advice.”

From where to stand to what to order, Pete served as Sam’s unofficial dating coach. “I called him and said, ‘Do I wait inside or outside?’ and he goes, ‘You’re overthinking it, mate.

"Go in, order a drink, chill, and don’t be the weirdo loitering on the pavement.’” Pete even suggested texting the mystery woman to ask what drink she would like so it could be waiting when she arrived.

Laughing, Sam recalled: “I said, ‘That’s such a good idea!’ Pete replied, ‘When she walks in, say she looks stunning. Do a cheers to a good date. Eye contact but not in a serial killer way.’”

After the date, Pete received a debrief phone call. “I could tell you nailed it,” he said proudly, before asking Sam if he was nervous about dating again. Sam replied honestly: “Absolutely. But once you get over that first hurdle, when you realise she hasn’t recoiled in horror, it actually becomes fun.”

He also confessed to a few hectic thoughts including whether he should open her taxi door or wait outside. “I was going to hug her right away. I had no clue what I was doing,” he laughed. “But Pete gave me a solid game plan.”

Sam shared one especially awkward moment: “Right before she walked in, I was on the phone to our producer saying how nervous I was… then she appeared, looking beautiful, and I accidentally blurted that out while still on the call and she heard me."

Pete, ever the supportive wingman, joked: “F***ing hell. Still, I bet she liked it. Sam’s in his dating era now. No wonder he’s been dressing so well.”

Elsewhere, speaking about his appearance, Sam got candid about the self-esteem dip he experienced post-breakup. “I’m fully aware I looked like s**t,” he said bluntly. “I’ve seen the videos. I’d tell myself, ‘Mate, you’ve really let yourself go.’” But the tide has turned. “Now, I’m back in a place where I feel genuinely happy and confident again.”

That newfound confidence may have something to do with alum Samie Elishi. Over the Easter weekend, Sam was spotted enjoying the sunshine and some quality time with Samie at the King’s Road Fine Food Market. According to sources, sparks are flying between the pair and it's likely that Sam's first date was with the brunette beauty who appeared on Love Island All Stars earlier this year.

The pair reportedly started chatting via after Sam’s split from Zara, and their connection deepened quickly. “They really like each other,” a source close to the couple shared. “Sam wasn’t trying to hide it and introduced Samie to Chelsea - that says a lot.”

Their romantic outing comes as Zara continues to make headlines for moving on with former member Louis Tomlinson.

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