Love Island UK took a dramatic turn after an exclusive from The Sun, published on July 24, 2025, revealed that Islander Shakira Khan allegedly threatened to quit the villa following an emotional split from Conor Phillips. According to the report, Shakira had a breakdown in the beach hut after calling off her relationship with Conor, which she admitted stemmed from lingering feelings for Harry Cooksley.
The 22-year-old model from Manchester had entered a new connection with Irish rugby player Conor after her earlier romance with Harry ended. However, when Harry made his relationship with Helena exclusive, Shakira reportedly realised she wasn’t emotionally ready to pursue things with Conor. The moment triggered what insiders described as a serious emotional response.
“She did the brave thing by ending that, but then the floodgates opened. She just didn’t want to be in the villa anymore,” a source told The Sun.
The outlet claimed Shakira sought help from the show’s 24/7 duty of care team and asked to leave. After hours of support, she reportedly decided to remain in the villa. The alleged incident has not yet aired on TV, but viewers have already reacted online, with some defending Shakira’s decisions and others questioning the show’s portrayal of her.
According to The Sun, Shakira Khan ended her connection with Conor after realising she wasn’t over her earlier relationship with Harry. The decision followed Harry’s move to go exclusive with Helena, which reportedly left Shakira unsettled in Love Island UK.
A source quoted in the article said,
“When Harry made it exclusive with Helena, everything unravelled and she realised she wasn’t ready to be with Conor properly.”
This led to her deciding to end the relationship, but the emotional weight of the situation allegedly became too much for her to handle. Following the split, Shakira is said to have gone to the beach hut and asked to leave the show.
“She went to the beach hut and asked to leave the villa. The duty of care team were able to help her through her emotions and she decided to stay,” the source added.
ITV has not officially confirmed the incident, and the footage of Shakira’s alleged request to leave has not yet been shown. However, fans on social media have shared their support for her, calling her “self-aware” and “real” for choosing not to fake a relationship on screen.
While Shakira’s alleged breakdown hasn’t aired, the Sun report has intensified viewer debate about her portrayal on the show. Some Love Island UK fans have argued that she is being given a negative “villain edit,” especially in the final weeks leading up to the August 4 finale.
Online, viewers have claimed that producers are painting Shakira and her friend Toni as “mean girls.” One viewer wrote,
“It’s clear Shakira’s being set up to look bad. She’s done nothing that warrants this kind of edit.”
Another added,
“She’s just dealing with real emotions. Why twist it?”
Shakira’s storyline has involved several turning points in this season of Love Island UK. Her early connection with Harry ended when he shifted his attention to Helena. Later, her efforts to move on with Conor were documented, though many viewers noticed that she appeared hesitant throughout.
The report states that Shakira turned to the show’s mental health support team when things became too overwhelming. The 24/7 duty of care staff reportedly helped her talk through her emotions, leading to her decision to remain on the show.
Though not confirmed by ITV, the situation adds to ongoing viewer speculation about editing tactics used in the final stages of the show. Some fans have even accused Love Island UK producers of trying to influence public perception ahead of the final vote.
Stay tuned for more updates.
TOPICS: Love Island UK, Hulu, Love Island, Shakira love island, Reality TV