The Love Island villa is no stranger to drama, but runner-up Harry Cooksley has just dropped a bombshell that’s sent shockwaves through the fandom. Just days before the grand finale of the third series, a TikTok video surfaced from a close friend of Islander Montana Brown, spilling some serious tea about the 30-year-old footballer’s pre-villa antics. The revelation? Harry was romantically involved with one of Montana’s good friends right up until he entered the Love Island villa!
In a candid TikTok posted moments before the final, the mum-of-two didn’t hold back, urging fans not to vote for Harry. “Guys, I’ve stayed out of the Love Island chatter so far, but with the final tonight, here’s the tea,” she began. “Harry was literally seeing one of my good friends right before he went on the show!” According to her, Harry penned a heartfelt letter to this friend, professing his love and promising a future together. “He wrote, ‘I know you’ll be surprised, but I still love you, and we’re going to be together. I just need to sort my head out,’” she revealed, calling his words “all of this crap.” Over the video, she added a bold caption: “Love Island final tonight, do not vote for Harry.”
Despite her plea, Harry made it to the final alongside his partner Shakira, whom he clearly adores. However, the drama didn’t end there. During an appearance on the This Morning sofa with the final three couples, host Emma Willis didn’t shy away from confronting Harry about the allegations. When pressed, Harry didn’t deny the claims. “Yeah, I was dating before I came in—I think we all were,” he admitted with a sheepish grin. “I went on a few dates with her friend. You’re not in the villa until you’re in the villa, right? I only told my family and two close friends I was going on Love Island.”
Harry went on to clarify that while he was dating before the show, the situation wasn’t as serious as it seemed. “My actual ex-girlfriend came into the villa, so it wasn’t like it was an ex,” he explained, referring to a shocking twist when his ex, Emma, entered during Casa Amor. “Things have changed a lot in the last eight weeks,” he added, glancing affectionately at Shakira.
The Casa Amor twist brought its own drama for Harry. At the time, he was coupled up with Helena, but Emma’s arrival stirred up old feelings. Despite their history, Harry didn’t rekindle things with Emma. Instead, he found himself drawn to bombshell Rheo, sharing kisses with her during Casa Amor. However, Harry returned to the main villa solo and continued his journey with Helena—until he admitted his heart had always been with Shakira.
Harry’s rollercoaster journey in the villa has kept viewers glued to their screens, from surprise exes to new connections and heartfelt confessions. While his pre-villa romance raised eyebrows, it’s clear Harry’s feelings for Shakira are genuine. But with the TikTok tea still brewing, fans are left wondering: will this revelation cast a shadow over his Love Island journey, or will his charm and chemistry with Shakira win over the doubters?