Love Island 2025 has officially returned to screens with a bang, and one contestant, Shakira Khan, is already making waves in the villa. At just 22 years old, Shakira is one of the youngest participants this season, hailing from Burnley in Lancashire. With a background in marketing and a side gig as a children’s entertainment Disney Princess, she brings a mix of glamour and grounded ambition to the show.
Shakira’s journey began with a dramatic twist right out of the gate. On her very first day, she was coupled up with taxi driver Ben Holbrough, but their budding connection was abruptly disrupted when American bombshell Toni Laites swooped in and took Ben for herself. This left Shakira single and facing the daunting prospect of being dumped from the villa unless she could find a new partner within 24 hours. Host Maya Jama delivered the ultimatum with her usual flair, setting the stage for Shakira’s next move.
Determined not to be sent home, Shakira spent the next day navigating the villa, chatting with every available boy to forge a new connection. By the evening, three men—Harry Cooksley, Blu Chegini, and Conor Phillips—were all vying for her attention. After careful deliberation, Shakira chose Harry, a decision that sealed Sophie Lee’s fate as the first contestant eliminated this season. This early drama has cemented Shakira’s role as a central figure in the unfolding Love Island narrative.
But who exactly is Shakira Khan beyond the villa walls? She’s not just a reality TV hopeful; she’s a marketer with a penchant for travel and adventure, as her Instagram feed reveals. Her social media showcases a life filled with luxury holidays to places like Dubai, Turkey, Haiti, and Mexico, painting the picture of a young woman who enjoys the finer things and embraces new experiences. Her Instagram handle, @shakirakhan16, boasts over 20,000 followers, drawn to her vibrant lifestyle and engaging posts.
Interestingly, Shakira also shared a nostalgic throwback on Instagram in June 2024, posting prom photos that left fans stunned. Dressed in a sparkling red gown and posing in front of a Range Rover, she captioned the post “The best day,” a sentiment echoed by the flood of compliments from followers admiring her stunning look and radiant smile. These glimpses into her past add layers to her public persona, showing a youthful charm alongside her confident present-day self.
Shakira is candid about her personality, describing herself as “so stubborn” and a master at winning arguments. She joked, “If arguing was an Olympic sport, I'd have a gold medal,” revealing a fiery streak that promises to bring plenty of villa drama. She elaborated, “I could argue with a brick wall. I won’t start the fight, but I’ll definitely finish it.” This mix of charm and tenacity makes her a compelling character to watch.
When it comes to love, Shakira is clear about what she wants. She’s on the lookout for a serious, long-term relationship and has a very specific type: “someone who is tall, charming, witty, with big arms, a good smile and just really funny.” Despite describing her love life as “booming,” she admits she’s yet to find “the one” or “the husband,” quipping, “They’re all frogs.” Her biggest turn-off? Poor hygiene, especially bad breath—garlic or onion breath on a date is a “big no-no” for her.
Shakira’s presence in the villa has already stirred the pot. After pairing up with Harry, their relationship faced challenges when Harry grew close to fellow contestant Helena during a villa challenge, testing Shakira’s patience and their budding connection. Meanwhile, Shakira also shared a moment in the hideaway with Blu, who claimed he just wanted to talk but eventually went in for a kiss, adding another layer of intrigue to her Love Island storyline.
Outside the villa, Shakira’s family plays a significant role in her life. She revealed that her parents have been married for 20 years and have six children, highlighting a strong family foundation. Her father, a self-proclaimed Love Island super-fan, is watching the show with keen interest and has even given her some sage advice: “Don’t have sex on TV!” Shakira assured fans, “Definitely not! Definitely not.”
Another interesting aspect of Shakira’s background is her ethnicity, which has sparked conversation among fans. While she hasn’t spoken openly about it, many viewers believe she has South Asian roots. This is supported by the fact that her brother’s Instagram bio includes flags for Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the UK. Additionally, the surname “Khan” is commonly associated with Northern Indian and Pakistani ancestry, according to ancestry records. Fans have praised Love Island’s casting for bringing more racial representation to the show, celebrating Shakira’s presence as a step forward for diversity.
Shakira also surprised viewers with a literary reference that sparked mixed reactions. During a conversation with fellow contestant Tommy Bradley, she mentioned the “Fig Tree Theory,” explaining it as “the idea that there’s a big fig tree full of all the little dreams you’ve had along the way, all the potential paths you could have gone down.” The theory originates from Sylvia Plath’s novel The Bell Jar, where each fig symbolizes a different life choice. However, Shakira’s interpretation—that people give up dreams for security and a 9-to-5 job—missed the original’s caution about indecisiveness leading to missed opportunities. This “TikTok-ified” version divided fans, with some amused by the unexpected literary nod and others disappointed by the misquote. Still, it added a unique flavor to the villa’s conversations and showcased Shakira’s thoughtful side.
Despite the early challenges and the whirlwind of villa life, Shakira remains a standout contestant. Her combination of ambition, charm, and fiery spirit makes her a fascinating figure to follow as Love Island 2025 unfolds. With the show continuing to air nightly on ITV2 and ITVX, viewers can expect plenty more drama, romance, and surprises from Shakira and her fellow islanders.
As the season progresses, it will be intriguing to see if Shakira’s search for “the one” ends with a ring on her finger or if the villa’s unpredictable nature will throw more curveballs her way. Either way, she’s already proven she’s not just here to play it safe.
