"We could all see what he was doing."
During her time on the 2025 series of Love Island, Shakira Khan established an infamous relationship with Harry Cooksley.
The couple finished the series as runners-up on Day 58.
Shakira also became known for her relationships with Helena Ford, Toni Laites, and Yasmin Pettet.
Harry and Shakira also continued their relationship following their departure from the villa.
However, during an interview on a podcast, Shakira Khan admitted some truths about Harry.
The Love Island star sat down for a chat on We Need To Talk.
The host began the segment about Harry by asking her: “Do you believe if Harry was not in the villa, you would have stayed with Conor [Phillips]?”
Shakira replied: “Yeah.”
The host then asked Shakira if Harry gaslighted her in the villa.
Gaslighting refers to the form of abuse where someone makes the victim feel like something is their fault when it isn’t.
It also creates an intense form of self-doubt within victims.
The presenter asked Shakira: “When you look back on the series, based on your experience in the villa, do you believe Harry was gaslighting at all?”
Shakira responded: “I don’t feel like he gaslighted me.
“There were times when I felt like he gaslighted other people. I could see that.
“I made commentary on that through the show. Maybe with Helena, and we spoke about it on the show.
“This is my perception on it. He knows what he has done, and he knew he was going to get some heat.
“There was a clip of Helena talking to Harrison [Solomon], saying she fancies him.
“And Harry was like, ‘Oh, you fancy Harrison. You said it was only me when you came over from the sleepover villa’.
“He’d never had a problem with her getting to know Harrison before, because he was with me at the time.
“But he was like, ‘I’m going to give her a bit of heat’.
“So when it’s my turn, we’re a bit even. I could see that.
“Me and Conor looked at each other like, ‘Is he for real?’
“We could all see what he was doing.”
Shakira also admitted her feeling that most of the public felt she was an outcast in the show.
She said: “This is my piece of advice for everyone going into the show.
“Don’t go in and try and be something you’re not.
“Even if you don’t think it’s going to land well, don’t try and change who you are.
“Because you’ll regret your actions. Feel how you want to feel and react how you want to react.
“That’s you being you.”
Detailing what she saw in Harry, Shakira continued: “Exclusive is a silly label because it would just be boyfriend and girlfriend.
“[Harry] is amazing. He just treats me so well.
“He is witty, charming, intelligent – all the things I said I look for in a partner.
“We have the same values. The things we want out of life are very similar.
“We want to get married, have children, and have a long-lasting relationship.
“That’s something very important that we’ve bonded over.
“Because my parents have been married for such a long time.
“Harry wants to be with the right person and that’s one of his biggest fears, and that’s one of my biggest fears.
“Doing life with the wrong person.”
Shakira cheekily admitted she could see herself marrying Harry.
She went on: “I wouldn’t date someone if I didn’t see that intention with them.
“It’s a waste of my time, and it’s a waste of their time.
“I would not want someone to be my boyfriend or my partner if I didn’t see something long-term with them.
“I don’t need anyone – I’m very self-sufficient.”
“If I’m investing time into you, it’s because I’m investing a future in you.
“Never in a million years did I anticipate going on to that show and falling in love with someone.”
The young celebrity also revealed the most memorable conversation she had ever had in her life.
She said: “My high school teacher told me when I was upset about some girls, and she said to me, ‘When did a lion ever care about the opinion of sheep?’
“You can choose who you want to be. I’d rather be a lion.”
Watch Shakira’s full interview here:
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