Reality television star Zara McDermott has expressed overwhelming pride for her boyfriend Louis Tomlinson, declaring that "proud is an understatement" following his latest musical triumph. The former One Direction member, aged 34, saw his new studio album How Did I Get Here? soar directly to the summit of the UK Official Albums Chart, marking a significant career milestone.
A Sweet Social Media Celebration
Taking to her Instagram Story, the 29-year-old McDermott reshared Tomlinson's celebratory post, which featured the singer proudly posing with his Number One award. In her heartfelt caption, she wrote: 'NUMBER 1!!!!!!!!!!! Proud is an understatement. ❤️' She continued with effusive praise, describing Tomlinson as 'the kindest, most loving human being on this earth' and thanking him for 'blessing all of us with your art and incredible hard work!'
Tomlinson's Chart Success
Released on January 23rd, How Did I Get Here? represents Tomlinson's third solo studio album and arrives four years after his previous record. Remarkably, all three of his solo albums have now achieved the coveted Number One position in the UK charts. The singer himself shared the news with fans, posting: 'Number 1 in the UK!! Absolutely mind blown.' He credited his dedicated fanbase, stating: 'The amount of hard work I’ve seen from every fan to support this record is a different class. This is a fan base where every individual makes such a huge difference.'
A Double Victory for One Direction Fans
Friday brought particularly exciting news for followers of the iconic boyband, as Tomlinson's former bandmate Harry Styles simultaneously topped the UK Official Singles Chart with his new track Aperture. This creates a nostalgic double celebration exactly fifteen years after One Direction's debut single What Makes You Beautiful first reached Number One in 2011.
Styles' single comes from his upcoming fourth solo album Kiss All The Time, Disco, Occasionally, scheduled for release on March 6th. The 31-year-old singer now boasts three UK chart-topping singles to his name. Adding to the celebration, Styles' previous hit As It Was re-entered the Top 40 at Number 28 for the first time since 2024.
Industry Recognition
Martin Talbot, Chief Executive Officer of the Official Charts Company, commented on the significance of this week's chart results. 'It's precisely 15 years this year since One Direction topped the Official Singles Chart for the first time with What Makes You Beautiful,' he noted. 'After Robbie Williams last week demonstrated how enduring our pop-group-member-turned-solo-stars can be, it is fantastic to see Harry and Louis topping the Official Charts again this week. A reminder – if we ever needed one – of the timeless appeal of arguably the world's favourite 21st Century boy band.'
The romantic connection between McDermott and Tomlinson, which began in early 2025, has become increasingly public through such supportive social media moments. As both artists celebrate their respective chart successes, fans of the original five-piece group can reflect on the enduring legacy of One Direction and the continued solo achievements of its members.
