Are Sam and Zara really on the rocks or was it all a desperate publicity stunt? Thompson claims he’s a ‘big softy’ as he bickers with his girlfriend in toothpaste advert after breaking down in tears amid ‘crisis talks’

There have been reports for weeks that the couple’s relationship was on the rocks due to ‘crisis talks’ between the two.

But now it seems it was all about the publicity, as Sam Thompson has shared a clip of himself arguing with girlfriend Zara McDermott, as part of a parody of an advert.

Sam, 31, who works for toothpaste brand Sensodyne, shared the advert on his Instagram on Thursday, claiming he’s “just a softie” and that there’s “nothing wrong with being sensitive”.

In the comedy sketch, the two bicker as Sam brushes an unhappy-looking Zara’s teeth, prompting her to snap: “You know it’s 100% recyclable too, just like boyfriends.”

The advert comes after the former Love Island star was reportedly rushed to her parents’ home in Essex last month after she packed her bags and left the London house where they lived together following a “blazing row” with Sam.

Sam Thompson has shared a clip of himself arguing with girlfriend Zara McDermott as part of a parody advert following reports of crisis talks

In the comedy sketch, the two bicker as Sam brushes an unhappy-looking Zara’s teeth before she goes ballistic: ‘You know it’s 100% recyclable too, just like boyfriends’

The pair were also photographed together at the Soccer Aid afterparty, where they appeared to be engaged in a heated argument.

However, 27-year-old Zara responded to the photos on Instagram the next day, saying she gave the reality star “some positive words” after it appeared they had an argument.

As the new advert starts, Sam says: ‘Teeth are a bit like girlfriends, some are just more sensitive. Take my girlfriend for example,’ as he puts his arm around Zara.

She doesn’t seem impressed and asks, “What’s this, are we doing an ad?” before putting on a fake smile.

Pulling a sad face, Sam brushes her teeth in the clip, adding, “And just like sensitive teeth, sensitive girlfriends need all our extra love and care.”

Zara then hits back: ‘You literally cry when you can’t sleep. Like real tears.’

As the commercial nears its end, Zara grabs Sam by the wrist as he tries again to put the toothbrush in her mouth.

Delivering her final insult, she snaps, “You know it’s 100% recyclable, just like boyfriends. How’s that for an ad,” before storming off.

Zara looks unfazed and asks, “What is this, are we doing an ad?” before putting on a fake smile

Pulling a miserable face, Sam brushes her teeth throughout the clip, adding: ‘And just like sensitive teeth, sensitive girlfriends need all our extra love and care.’

As the advert ends, Zara grabs Sam’s wrist as he tries to put the toothbrush in her mouth once more. She delivers her final insult, snapping, “You know it’s 100% recyclable too, just like boyfriends. How’s that for an advert,” before storming off

On Thursday Zara made her first public appearance since reports of the couple’s crisis talks when she left her father Alan as her Wimbledon plus one.

There was no sign of I’m A Celeb star Sam, who has been very busy with work this week.

Meanwhile, Sam broke his silence on Wednesday after being consoled by pal Pete Wicks at the TRIC Awards last week, following reports of his ‘crisis talks’ with Zara.

In pictures obtained exclusively by MailOnline, the I’m A Celebrity winner is seen having an emotional chat with his close friend in the smoking area of ​​London’s Grosvenor House Hotel.

Sam appeared to burst into tears before Pete lovingly embraced him, but the Made In Chelsea star has now explained why he was so emotional.

In his podcast Staying Relevant, he said he had received some bad news that day, but he also confirmed that he had not cried.

“I didn’t cry, I didn’t really cry. I want to let everyone know that now.

‘Look, you can’t get around that. I actually got some bad news, so I was actually really sad. I’m not going to lie, but I was.’

Zara is said to have rushed to her parents’ home in Essex last month after packing her bags and leaving the London house she was living in with Sam following a “burning row”.

On Thursday, Zara made her first public appearance since reports of the couple’s crisis talks, when she chose her father Alan as her Wimbledon plus-one

Sam explained that Pete had taken him to the back of the hotel to comfort him and give him a shoulder to cry on.

He explained: ‘I let it go, I let it all out. I headbutted Pete on the shoulder. I get a pat on the armpit and he’s such a good friend who’s like “I’m always here for you blah blah blah” and I feel sorry for myself.’

During the awards ceremony, both the duo’s podcast and I’m A Celebrity were nominated, but neither managed to win the award.

Lighten the mood, Pete joked: ‘Personally, I think it was Sam’s way of saying we didn’t win a prize. I think that’s where the tears came from.’

Sam didn’t elaborate on his relationship, but thanked his followers and listeners for their support following the TRIC snapshots.

He ended: ‘I really appreciate it. Thank you very much. Everything is fine now, but it was a tough old time.

Sam and Zara were spotted filming together in Chelsea last week after rumours of trouble in their relationship surfaced.

It appears the pair have put the reports aside to focus on their work, with video footage obtained exclusively by MailOnline showing them filming a project together.

A source close to the couple says they are now trying to ‘resolve the relationship’.

The insider said The sun: ‘Since ChristmasZara and Sam have been very busy with their work and have had little time to see each other, and their relationship has suffered as a result.

On Wednesday, Sam broke his silence after being consoled by his pal Pete Wicks at the TRIC Awards last week, amid reports of his ‘crisis talks’ with Zara

‘They both wanted to get the most out of their careers and said yes to all the interesting opportunities that came their way.

‘Last weekend it happened and they had a big fight. It was very unpleasant and they needed some time to let the dust settle.’

According to the publication, Zara was staying with her parents in Essex before heading to Mallorca for a modelling job.

The reality star then posted a cryptic message about staying positive: “When life gives you lemons” alongside a photo of herself posing in a minidress.

She has now returned to Britain and the couple are believed to be trying to save their relationship.

The insider added that Zara returned home to try to ‘iron out their differences’. MailOnline has contacted reps for Sam and Zara for comment.