Love Island star has unusual job working for famous footballer
EXCLUSIVE: Love Island's Harry Cooksley is one of the latest islander heading into the villa for the show's 12th series - and he's ready to shake things up both on and off the pitch
Footballer and Declan Rice's body double Harry Cooksley is one of the latest bombshells heading into the Love Island villa for the show's 12th series - and he's ready to shake things up both on and off the pitch.
The 30-year-old professional footballer is trading boots for swimming trunks this summer, swapping his time on the field - and behind the camera - for a shot at romance in the Majorcan villa. Cooksley, who once played in the US and across Europe, might be new to Love Island fans, but he's already brushed shoulders with some of England's biggest sporting names - quite literally.
Speaking ahead of his Love Island debut, Cooksley revealed his unlikely connection to Arsenal and England star Declan Rice.
'Yeah, I spoke to Dec before I came out,' Harry said.. 'I'm sure he'll be fine - he's got the summer off now so he'll manage without me.'
Why does Declan Rice need a body double? According to Harry, it's all about saving time for production crews.
'It's mainly for close-up shots when they don't have time with the actual players. So it's essentially my body on camera for those shots,' he explained.
As for Rice's reaction to Harry's reality TV plans? 'He was happy for me. He just told me to be myself. He'll be supporting from the outside. He was excited.'
Harry's appearance comes as Love Island Series 12 gets underway, with ITV promising more romance, drama, and late-night revelations than ever before. Viewers are already speculating who'll couple up, who'll be dumped — and who'll be sharing more than just a bed.
With the show known for its steamy hideaway scenes, sex on TV remains one of the most hotly debated aspects of the series. When asked about the possibility of having sex on screen, Harry didn't dodge the question.
'I haven't spoken to my friends about it, but I did speak to my mum,' he said. 'She wasn't massively strict about it, but I'll try and be respectful. I'll keep her in mind - not in the moment - but in general.'
Cooksley's thoughtful, self-aware approach might surprise those expecting the usual 'footballer bad boy' persona. But he insists he's not here to play games.
'I'd like to think I'm breaking that stereotype,' he said. 'I'm a bit older now. Sure, in my early 20s, I played the field a bit. Footballers do get a bad rap, and sometimes it's justified - but it doesn't apply to all of us. I've had my fun. Now I'm honest, I'm ready, and I want to find someone.'
Whether or not he finds love under the Spanish sun, Harry's already proving to be one of the more intriguing contestants of the 2025 series - part pro athlete, part body double, and all in when it comes to romance.
Love Island returns Monday, June 9 at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
43 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Zara McDermott's impressive weekly wage from TV career amid Louis romance
Zara McDermott's earnings have been revealed as the former reality TV star turned presenter's stock continues to rise at the same time she's enjoying a new relationship with Louis Tomlinson Zara McDermott's impressive weekly TV salary has been revealed with the reality star's pulling power growing. The former Love Island star, 28, is currently dating ex- One Direction singer Louis Tomlinson. But as well as finding time for her newfound romance, Zara is continuing with her production work in front of the camera. According to Zara Nicole McDermott Limited, the private firm where her earnings are stored, she bagged a hefty £4,438 per week last year. The documents filed at Companies House showed the star's profits sitting at £230,805 for the year. Her assets were seen to be sitting at £705,688, with the star retaining £540,718 after bills. According to the documents, her assets comprised £523,030 in cash, £161,431 in investments, £14,929 in and tangible assets at £6,298. Zara Nicole McDermott is one of two active businesses listed for her on Companies House. The other firm, Tiger Mac Properties, was set up last year with its nature of business listed as 'buying and selling of own real estate.' Zara has become a mainstay in front of the camera. She has recently been the face of BBC documentaries involving sensitive subjects, including Revenge Porn, Uncovering Rape Culture, Love in the Flesh and Disordered Eating. As well as her blossoming career, she has a newfound romance with 33-year-old Louis following her shock split from Sam Thompson at the beginning of the year. Louis and Zara have been seen smitten on vacation together recently, with the pair spending time in Costa Rica. At the end of last month, the pair looked head over heels as they enjoyed a drink at a beachside restaurant in the country. The couple recently confirmed their romance after they were spotted packing on the PDA while holding hands. It's claimed Louis splashed the cash to fly Zara 5,000 miles to join him while he was in Costa Rica and working on his upcoming album. In pictures shared last month, the duo shared a passionate kiss at the Banana Beach Restaurant by the ocean. The Love Island star, who previously dated Sam Thompson for several years, wore the ultimate summer attire featuring a white crop top and matching skirt which she accessorised with gold statement earrings. Her arms were wrapped around her new man's neck, while Louis held on to her waist as they leaned in for a kiss. One moment showed him place his arm over her chest and shoulder as the two laughed together. Louis's sister Lottie recently opened up about their relationship. She joked she was waiting to put Zara on babysitting duties.
Metro
43 minutes ago
- Metro
Man Utd told to join race to sign £42m Arsenal transfer target
Manchester United have been urged to consider a move for one of Arsenal's transfer targets to provide Ruben Amorim with more attacking firepower. After a deflating end to the campaign, which saw them finish 15th in the Premier League and miss out on European silverware, United are plotting their latest summer rebuild. The Red Devils have identified the forward line as a key area for improvement and have already signed Matheus Cunha to begin to address those concerns. A deal for Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo could also follow, although both clubs are still yet to agree on a fee after United's initial offer was rejected. Should a deal for the Cameroonian international fail to materialise, however, United may be forced to consider alternative options. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link so we can send you football news tailored to you. And former Red Devils defender Gary Pallister believes that Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma could be the man to make an instant impact at Old Trafford. 'I don't think you can ever have enough attacking options and we have seen what Kaoru Mitoma can do in the Premier League,' Pallister told 'Marcus Rashford might be leaving the club and Amad Diallo was the only forward hitting his top level before he got injured, the club needs back up in those areas. 'If Mitoma is available then I'd like to see him at Old Trafford, he can make an impact.' The Japanese international notched up 10 goals and four assists in the league last season and has attracted interest from several top European clubs so far this window. Bayern Munich have taken an interest in the 28-year-old, while Sky Germany also reported that Arsenal have shortlisted the Brighton star as a potential target this summer. More Trending A fee of around €50 million (£42m) is said to potentially be enough to secure Mitoma's services. Mitoma is one of several names on Arsenal's shortlist as Mikel Arteta's side look for wide attacking reinforcements in the summer window. Real Madrid's Rodrygo is said to be the club's dream target but Xabi Alonso has played down speculation linking the Brazilian with an exit. Nico Williams has also been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates in recent windows, but the Spaniard is now reportedly in talks to extend his stay at Athletic Club with a new and improved contract. For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: Reece James reacts to Chelsea's signing of in-demand striker Liam Delap MORE: Thierry Henry's warning to Arsenal and Chelsea over signing 'amazing' £60m striker MORE: Man Utd legend backed to replace Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Chris Hughes kisses girlfriend JoJo Siwa's neck on loved-up walk in the countryside
The Dance Moms star revealed how smitten she was after reuniting with Chris in the UK YOUNG LOVE Chris Hughes kisses girlfriend JoJo Siwa's neck on loved-up walk in the countryside Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) CHRIS Hughes was seen gently kissing his girlfriend JoJo Siwa's neck on a loved-up walk in the countryside. The pop star, 22, beamed with happiness as she and Chris, 32, went for a walk near his home. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 6 Chris Hughes was seen gently kissing his girlfriend JoJo Siwa's neck on a loved-up walk in the countryside Credit: Click News and Media 6 The couple have enjoyed horse riding together in the Cotswolds Credit: Click News and Media 6 Chris and JoJo had a romantic stroll through the countryside Credit: Click News and Media JoJo swapped sequins for a T-shirt and sweats as she was spotted with her new boyfriend Chris in the beautiful Cotswolds countryside. The couple looked loved-up as they strolled hand-in-hand through the fields near Chris's family home. The pop princess, even borrowed a pair of Chris's joggers, proving how close they are getting. And as JoJo stood by some hedges, Chris nuzzled into her neck and gently kissed her. Chris had posted on Instagram of the pair horse riding earlier and he captioned the clip: "Got to watch this one ride today." In the video, the happy pair galloped through the fields then posed for photos beside their horses later. These lovely images come after the Dance Moms star revealed how smitten she was after reuniting with Chris in the UK. The singer, who fell for former Love Island star Chris in Celebrity Big Brother house, said she struggled to go back to normal life without Chris when she returned to the US for a month. But now the American star, who hails from Nebraska, has recently returned to the UK to be with Chris – and she plans to make good on a promise to mark their love with a tattoo. The happy couple drove fans wild recently with an intimate backstage moment in a post to TikTok. Chris Hughes breaks silence on JoJo Siwa relationship and he's quizzed by Ben Shepherd on This Morning When the pair were seen hugging each other, holding hands and putting bracelets on each other. And at her recent London gigs she changed the lyrics of Bette Davis Eyes to 'Chris Hughes' eyes' as he looked on, giddy and red-faced at a music venue in Shoreditch. The two have set tongues wagging ever since getting close while competing on this year's series of Celebrity Big Brother and have been crossing oceans to spend time together since the show ended. Earlier, last week, Chris gushed about his "favourite person," JoJo as they enjoyed a cosy home dinner that he cooked for her. And recently he opened up about his relationship with the US pop star, as they appeared to confirm their loved-up status. After doing two gigs in London, JoJo headed to Chris' property in Surrey where he whipped her up a scrumptious dinner. But before their cozy dinner together, Chris gave plenty of details about his relationship with JoJo. Including how he had "stomach rumbles" due to his "separation anxiety" from being away from the singer. 6 JoJo admitted that she missed him when she was in America Credit: Click News and Media 6 JoJo swapped sequins for a T-shirt and sweats as she was spotted with her new boyfriend Chris Credit: Click News and Media
