Picture this: a 30-year-old who trades gold by day, plays semi-professional football on weekends, and moonlights as England star Declan Rice’s body double. Sounds like something out of a rom-com, right? Well, meet Harry Cooksley – Love Island 2025’s most fascinating contestant who’s flipping the script on what we expect from villa life. I think this guy represents something we don’t see often on reality TV: genuine success mixed with down-to-earth charm. While most islanders are fresh out of university or starting their careers, Harry brings a different energy – one that’s confident without being cocky, accomplished without being pretentious.
Here’s why Harry’s story matters more than your typical Love Island introduction. In my opinion, he’s the perfect example of how modern relationships work in real life, not just on reality TV. This isn’t some twenty-something figuring out their career path while looking for love. Instead, we’re watching a man who’s already built multiple successful careers decide to take a genuine shot at finding something real. Plus, let’s be honest – his connection to Premier League football and the modeling world gives us a behind-the-scenes peek into industries most of us never see. Trust me, his journey from the trading floor to the villa is going to be anything but ordinary.
- Name: Harry Cooksley
- Age: 30 years old
- Place: Guildford, Surrey, England
- Occupation: Gold dealer, semi-professional football player and model
- Instagram: harrycooksley8
- Full Name: Declan Rice body double
The Surrey Sensation C causing a Stir in the Villa
Harry Cooksley has already become one of the most fascinating participants of Love Island 2025 because this businessman and sportsman combines physical skills, business talent, and unquestionable charisma in his personality. Being the oldest participant in the original Love Island line up, Harry is 30 years old, which can be considered a grown-up influence among other young islanders.
The Guildford native makes quite the impressive sight as he is 6 foot 2 and has a very wide and athletic physique that demonstrates his commitment to fitness. These bright green eyes and the choppy jawline are offset by his eccentric fashion sense, such as his iconic mullet with shortened sides and a well-kept beard and mustache. Harrys style is more on the edgy style including baggy clothes, knitted vests, linen materials and big and bright colored clothes that represent the confident character in him.
Diverse Career Option
The professional life of Harry is very versatile. Beyond the villa, Harry is a gold trader, semi-professional footballer and model, which demonstrates his capacity to perform in various sectors. His football career has been one to take note of as Cooksley has before played in NCAA Division II with Limestone College, NCAA Division 1 with St. Johns University and senior football with Aldershot Town, AFC Wimbledon, Farnborough and Hartley Wintney.
Most interestingly, maybe, is his relationship with the football elite of England. His claim to fame and his side hustle is being the body double to professional football player Declan Rice. Harry then describes his special role; “When he has a shoot, any close ups of him will be me”. You will never see my face, however you will see my shoulder or my chest, that sort of thing.” This peculiar occupation has provided him with the view into the world of professional sports and modeling.
Personal manner and traits
Harry has quite a complex personality, and it is embodied in his personal aesthetic. The actor has a significant tattoo on his left wrist, the letter E, which is a moving dedication to his grandmother who died a few years back. His edge is added by a silver bracelet and two rings on his index fingers.
Speaking of his character, Harry self-identifies as someone who is first of all a joker, a flirt, and above all – I have a good heart. This self-test indicates a person who adds fun and positivity to the interactions and stays sincere in the motives. He sees his height and his piercing green eyes as his best physical attributes but the cocky swagger he carries himself with indicates that he is okay in his own skin.
Love Island Adventure
Harry was confirmed as a contestant on Love Island Season 12 on 3 June 2025 and entered the villa as one of the original contestants. He already has created great interest in his villa experience, as Harry was initially in a couple with Sophie Lee, who was later dumped out of the villa. The villa life has now changed and Harry is entering the complicated world of romantic relationships and tactical alliances that make up the Love Island experience.
Harry Cooksley is the new breed of reality TV participant – he is professionally accomplished, physically attractive and is emotionally bright. This is augmented by his athletic success, business success, and overall likable personality that makes him an overall interesting character in the villa and in real life. Harry will either get lasting love or just enjoy the process, but his participation in Love Island 2025 will be one to remember by the viewers after the romantic exploits in this season.
