Lottie says she’s ‘really happy’ for her brother
Lottie Tomlinson has spoken publicly for the first time about her brother Louis Tomlinson’s blossoming relationship with television personality and documentary-maker Zara McDermott — and it seems the new couple have already earned the family seal of approval.
Speaking to The Mirror at the launch of her latest beauty venture, Adored by…, the 26-year-old model, author and entrepreneur couldn’t hide her delight for her older brother. Louis, 33, known globally for his time with One Direction, has recently been linked romantically with 28-year-old Zara, who rose to fame on Love Island and has since built a reputation for her hard-hitting BBC documentaries.
“Yeah, she is amazing and they are really happy. I’m really happy for him,” Lottie said, smiling. She added with a laugh that Zara might even be recruited for babysitting duties, given that Lottie is a busy mum of two young children — two-year-old Lucky and baby Flossie, five months — with her partner Lewis Burton.
Zara appears to be settling in well with the Tomlinson clan, and Lottie’s kind words are a clear indication that the family warmly welcomes the new relationship. With Louis taking the significant step of going “Instagram official” earlier this month, things appear to be moving in a positive direction for the pair.
Louis commented on one of Zara’s recent behind-the-scenes photos from her documentary series in Thailand, writing: “Proud of you x.” The heartfelt message caused a stir amongst fans, many of whom are excited to see the usually private singer expressing his support so publicly. Zara had used the post to reflect on her growth over five years of documentary work, speaking candidly about her increasing confidence both on screen and behind the camera.
Adding to the public show of approval, Louis’ younger sister Daisy also commented on Zara’s post, calling her “clever and beautiful.” The remarks from the family seem to reinforce reports that Zara has formed a genuine bond with Louis’ loved ones, even joining him during a recent trip to Los Angeles. While Louis wasn’t pictured, both Lottie and Phoebe Tomlinson left affectionate emojis in the comments of Zara’s travel snaps, subtly confirming their presence and approval.
Lottie, who also runs the successful self-tanning brand Tanologist, has been candid in the past about her tight-knit family and the importance of their support through tough times. In recent years, she has faced unimaginable personal tragedy, losing her mother, Johannah Deakin, to leukaemia in 2016, and her younger sister Felicité just two years later at the age of 18.
Reflecting on grief and healing, she told The Mirror: “I feel like being with my family is just the best therapy for me. That’s all I’ve ever wanted and now that I’ve finally got that, it brings me so much comfort and it makes me feel closer to the people I’ve lost. It’s been like a healing thing for me.”
It’s evident that Lottie treasures the time spent with her siblings, and seeing Louis happy again has brought her genuine joy. For her, family isn’t just about being there during difficult times — it’s also about celebrating the good moments, and Louis finding love again appears to be one of them.
With Lottie’s enthusiastic backing, Daisy’s kind words, and Louis’ own public show of affection, the budding relationship between Louis Tomlinson and Zara McDermott seems to be going from strength to strength — with the Tomlinson family cheering them on every step of the way.