Fans of Love Island's 2025 series have been gripped by one burning question: are the show's turbulent couple, Shakira Khan and Harry Cooksley, still an item after their dramatic villa journey? The pair, who finished as runners-up, captivated viewers with their on-off connection.
The Latest Update on Their Relationship Status
Shakira Khan and Harry Cooksley are indeed still together, though they are deliberately keeping their romance away from the public eye. Since leaving the ITV dating show, they have shared only occasional supportive messages on social media, preferring privacy.
In an exclusive interview with Heart at the end of 2025, Shakira clarified that they were not officially boyfriend and girlfriend. "Still taking things slow, it's been a month," she explained. "Everyone forgets it's been like a month and a week, so yeah, just going at our own pace." This confirms they are dating but avoiding formal labels for now.
From Villa Turbulence to Rekindled Romance
The couple's path was far from straightforward. As original islanders, Harry, 30, and Shakira, 23, first connected on day one. However, after a whirlwind start, Harry recoupled with bombshell Helena Ford, with whom he later became exclusive.
Shakira, meanwhile, explored connections with other islanders, including a romance with friend Conor Phillips. Despite the heartbreak, the undeniable spark between Shakira and Harry never fully extinguished. They eventually found their way back to each other late in the series, leading to their second-place finish behind winners Toni and Cach.
Key Moments Since Leaving the Villa
August 2025: Appearing on ITV's Lorraine, Harry was quizzed by host Christine Lampard. When asked if they were "exclusive," he replied, "For me, when we rekindled... I only had eyes for Shakira, there's no one else I want to get to know. That hasn't changed since coming on the outside world."
September 2025: Shakira revealed they took a trip to her hometown of Burnley to escape London's chaos. "It was nice to just have a bit of R&R and get away from all the noise," she said, highlighting their effort to build a genuine connection away from the spotlight.
January 2026: A subtle but telling sign came when Harry commented with love heart eye emojis on a sexy Instagram video posted by Shakira, a rare public display of affection that set fans' hearts racing.
What Does the Future Hold?
While their relationship is progressing cautiously, the couple's actions speak volumes. Their private weekend getaway and Harry's steadfast focus suggest a sincere attempt to build something real beyond the villa's intense environment. Their decision to avoid rushing into official titles demonstrates a maturity often missing from post-reality TV romances.
For now, Love Island viewers can rest assured that the flame between Shakira and Harry, though carefully guarded, is still very much alight. Their story continues to be one of the most closely watched in the Love Island universe, proving that sometimes a slow burn has the best chance of lasting.
