Harry Cooksley Returns to Football as Shakira Khan Lands New TV Role

Harry Cooksley, known from the reality show Love Island, has announced that he is returning to his previous job in football as he prepares for a match with Farnham Town FC. This comes shortly after his girlfriend, Shakira Khan, secured a significant role in a new television show hosted by Gary Lineker.

In a recent TikTok post, Cooksley, 30, shared his feelings about going back to the pitch. He humorously noted, “It’s that time… the return to football. Because apparently I’m still unemployed and I’ve got to go back to my day job.” He expressed excitement about rejoining his team, despite admitting it was the first time he had touched a football since April. Cooksley added with a light-hearted tone, “I might have come second on Love Island but I am a winner.”

Shakira Khan’s New Television Opportunity

Meanwhile, news outlets, including The Sun, have reported that Shakira Khan, 22, has become the first signing for Gary Lineker’s new show, titled The Box. This program signifies a new chapter for Lineker, who recently transitioned from the BBC to ITV. According to sources, filming for the show began earlier this week.

The decision to sign Khan is seen as a strategic move, particularly as ITV aims to feature this year’s Love Island contestants on their primetime programming. A source close to the project noted, “All eyes are on The Box as it’s a new format and it’s Gary’s first for ITV. But signing up Shakira is a smart move because she remains a big favourite with the younger audience and is smashing it outside the villa.”

As filming progresses, Khan is expected to work alongside several prominent celebrities, with executives confident in her ability to stand out and connect with viewers. The buzz surrounding her participation reflects her popularity and the ongoing interest generated by the latest season of Love Island.

Cooksley’s return to football and Khan’s new television role highlight the opportunities that arise from their recent reality show experience. As both navigate their respective careers, fans will be watching closely to see how their journeys unfold in the coming months.