SAM Thompson made a surprise appearance as a substitute during this year’s Soccer Aid – but it was his post-match antics that really got fans talking.
The reality TV star, 32, was later spotted leaving the glitzy afterparty hand-in-hand with a glamorous 23-year-old sports presenter.
Sam was seen departing the Soccer Aid party at Hilton Manchester Deansgate with sports presenter Jolie Sharpe[/caption]
Sam looked in high spirits as he slipped away with Jolie following the charity clash at Old Trafford with Zara McDermott’s new man Louis Tomlinson[/caption]
Sam was spotted leaving the swanky Soccer Aid afterparty at Manchester’s Hilton Deansgate with stunning sports presenter Jolie Sharpe on his arm – just hours after England’s narrow defeat.
The Made in Chelsea star looked in high spirits as he slipped away with Jolie Sharpe following the charity clash at Old Trafford, where rapper Big Zuu sealed a dramatic 5-4 win for the World XI.
Despite coming face-to-face with ex Zara McDermott’s new flame Louis Tomlinson on the pitch, Sam brushed off the awkward moment and partied into the night – as Soccer Aid raised a whopping £15million for Unicef.
Jolie turned heads in a white ruffled mini skirt and denim jacket and was snapped leaving the hotel with Sam, with insiders claiming the pair have been “good mates for a while.”
The I’m A Celeb champ kept it cool in a dark grey co-ord and crisp white tee, finishing the laid-back look with a pair of stylish trainers.
Jolie, who runs her own successful marketing firm JGS Live, boasts a seriously impressive CV – her agency is an official TikTok live selling partner and has worked with heavyweights like British Airways, Chelsea FC and The Economist.
Meanwhile, Sam, 32, and Louis, 33, reportedly thrashed out a “peace dinner” at Champneys in Tring alongside teammates, to avoid any bust-ups ahead of kick-off – after Louis struck up a romance with Sam’s ex, Zara McDermott, 28.
Despite the heartbreak on the pitch, both lads seemed in good spirits as they arrived back at the Hilton to cheers from fans.
Sam, who had previously pulled out of playing due to injury following his gruelling 260-mile challenge, made a surprise cameo in the closing moments – just after Louis had left the field, dodging a potentially awkward showdown in front of the packed stadium.
A source told The Sun: “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.”
Instead of lacing up his boots, Sam stepped into a new role on the sidelines – joining England’s management team after being ruled out with a torn calf.
Speaking to This Morning’s Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary live from Soccer Aid HQ, he said: “I’m still very sore, still got the torn calf, however I am here at Soccer Aid HQ and it does not get better than this.
“We’ve still got the management team of England, we’ve got Vicky McClure, Tyson Fury who’s stepping into some new shoes, and Harry Redknapp.”
“But also, because I’m not going to be able to run around, you’ve got me – part of the management team. Come on baby!”
Sam’s appearance comes months after his split from former Love Island star Zara after five years together – with it later revealed in March that she’d moved on with pop star Louis.
Jolie is a sports enthusiast and presenter who interviews athletes like Yuki Tsunoda on her social media posts[/caption]
Sam and Louis reportedly thrashed out a “peace dinner” before the match[/caption]
Sam and Zara split after five years together[/caption]
