Harry Cooksley, one of the newest islanders entering the villa for the 12th series of Love Island, is 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.
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Harry said, “Yes, I spoke to Dec before I came out. He’ll be fine because he’s now taken a summer vacation, so he’ll be able to live without me.”
Why is a body double necessary for Declan Rice? It’s all about reducing time for production teams, Harry claims.
When they don’t have time with the actual players, it’s primarily for close-up shots. He continued, “It’s basically my body on camera for those shots.”
What is Rice’s opinion of Harry’s plans for reality TV? He expressed happiness for me. He simply instructed me to be who I am. He’ll be supporting the outside. He jumped up.
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.
He said, “I did speak to my mother about it, but I haven’t spoken to my friends about it.” She didn’t do it very much, but I’ll try to be polite. I’ll remember her in general, not just at the moment.
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.
He said, “I’d like to believe I’m breaking that stereotype.” I’m currently a little older. Yes, I did a little playing on the field when I was in my early 20s. Footballers do occasionally get a bad rap, which is understandable, but it doesn’t apply to everyone. I enjoyed myself. I want to find someone because I’m now open and ready.
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.
On ITV2 and ITVX, Love Island airs on June 9 at 9 p.m.
Source: Mirror
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