Reality TV star and documentary presenter Zara McDermott has taken part in the latest viral social media craze, sharing a series of nostalgic throwback photos from a decade ago. The 29-year-old joined the '2026 is the new 2016' trend that is currently sweeping TikTok and Instagram, where users post images from 2016 to reminisce about a seemingly more innocent era of the internet.
A Blast from the Past: 2016 Fashion and Hair
In one of the shared snaps, a younger Zara looks nearly unrecognisable posing in a white lace top and black denim short shorts, complete with a matching choker necklace. Alongside the photo, she humorously captioned: 'The chokers were a VIBE'. Another image shows her striking a playful pose in a black vest tucked into a green mini skirt. She used this picture to poke fun at her past hairstyling choices, writing about her curly hair: 'Back when I never used to believe in brushing out your curls. My hair WTF and I was so ungrateful for it. It's taken me years to get back to this level of health.'
McDermott also posted a photo wearing a matching white dress with a friend, expressing her enjoyment of the trend. 'I love the fact everyone is going through their 2016 pics, so here's a few of mine. Matching dresses with my bestie,' she wrote. A further image sees her posing with friends in a black and blue mini dress.
Reflecting on a Landmark 2025
This trip down memory lane comes shortly after Zara shared a rare selfie with her boyfriend, former One Direction star Louis Tomlinson, 34, as she reflected on her personal and professional highlights of 2025. The couple began dating earlier this year following her split from Sam Thompson.
She posted a loved-up throwback selfie with Louis taken in the wing mirror during their trip to Costa Rica in May 2024. In the photo, she beams wearing a beige baseball cap while Louis sports a white T-shirt and sunglasses. Zara described it as 'the most magical trip of my life', fulfilling a long-held dream to visit Central America.
Glastonbury Jitters and Career Highlights
Other key moments from her year included attending Glastonbury Festival in June with Louis and his sister, Lottie Tomlinson. The TV personality admitted she was 'nervous' to go to the iconic event at Worthy Farm, as it was virtually her first ever festival experience, but ultimately enjoyed it.
Professionally, Zara expressed gratitude for her documentary work, including the impactful 'To Catch A Stalker'. She also celebrated relaunching her YouTube channel after years of hesitation, launching new collections for her brand, and taking her family on a surprise holiday for her parents' 30th wedding anniversary. She also started filming a new digital series about extraordinary people, marking a busy and successful year.
As she wrapped up her reflections, Zara penned: 'A recap of some of the most magical moments of 2025. Another year grateful for being able to make TV and film important documentaries… I can’t believe I got my first commission in 2019! That means I’ve been doing this for almost 7 years now!'
