SAM Thompson has admitted he felt a moment of “panic”; ahead of what could have been an uncomfortable run-in with Louis Tomlinson at Soccer Aid.
The reality star, 32, opened up about the behind-the-scenes tension, revealing he was asked about it months before the charity match.
Sam recalled being taken by surprise when asked about playing with Louis and not knowing what to say.
He said on his Staying Relevant podcast:“In my head I panicked and thought, ‘I don’t have this’.
“So I said [to the journalist], ‘Look, it’s not about me and . It’s not about who anyone’s dating or anything like that — it’s UNICEF, it’s charity.
“Everyone’s there for the exact same reason: to raise money.
“And if he’s got anything about him, which I’ve heard he does, he’ll say the exact same thing.’”;
Zara, who rose to fame on dated Sam from 2019 before they split briefly and reconciled.
The couple finally called it quits in January.
Zara began dating singer Louis earlier this year.
Louis and Zara have yet to publicly speak about the situation but Sam has addressed it multiple times.
He said in May: “I’ve never met Louis.
“But the moment I see him, I’ll be like, ‘mate, how amazing is this what we’re doing? And hopefully we can make as much money as possible’
“And I imagine – from what I hear is a really lovely bloke – I imagine the reply will be exactly the same.”;
Sam couldn’t resist a subtle dig at Zara and Louis’s relationship, choosing to label it a “hook-up”; rather than anything serious.
“It’s a charity football game and everyone will have a smile on their face,”; he added toThe Mirror.
“Everybody is doing it for a cause that is far beyond relationships and who’s hooking up with who and all that kind of stuff. Football brings everyone together.”;
It comes as The Sun revealed Louis and Sam had a secret dinner with their England teammates before the match.
The dinner took place with the lads and some teammates at Champneys spa in Tring, Herts, where they have been training for the match at Old Trafford.
A source said: “There is no beef between the pair and they’re both going to ensure their love lives don’t distract from such a big charity spectacle.
“They are fully aware that their every move is being scrutinised and they’ve broken bread with their teammates, so it’ll be smooth sailing on the day.”;
However, on the day due to an injury sustained in his .
A source said: “Sam is gutted he can’t play, but the match has just come too soon since his efforts.
“He’s still going to be a presence and play a big part in the coverage but he won’t be able to compete on the field.”;
The source added: “There is a small blessing in his withdrawal as the focus on him and Louis will disperse.
“Their every move will be watched so it’s a relief in some ways they won’t be on the pitch together.”;
