We are one week into season 12 of Love Island, and already a new batch of singletons are causing drama in the villa under the watchful eye of host Maya Jama. As the action gets underway, there's one contestant who has had a pretty intense first few days. Shakira Khan is already stirring things up after a brutal twist saw her sending Sophie Lee packing from the villa in the first elimination after choosing to couple up with Harry Cooksley.
Tension continued to rise when Harry admitted he also wanted to pursue Helena Ford, while Shakira chatted to Blu. After a night in the hideaway with Blu Chegini, where the pair kissed, Shakira cut things off with Harry. Now, Ben Holbrough and Shakira have chosen each other in the most recent recoupling - but will it be smooth sailing from here? Watch this space.
Who is Shakira Khan?
Shakira Khan is a contestant on series 12 of Love Island. She works in marketing, as well as children’s entertainment as a Disney Princess, but like many of the contestants she already leads a pretty glamorous lifestyle - her Instagram page shows plenty of trips to exotic locations, including Dubai, Turkey, Haiti and Mexico.
Shakira has admitted she is 'so stubborn' and good at 'winning arguments' - meaning she could be ready to bring drama in the villa. 'I could argue with a brick wall. If arguing was an Olympic sport, I'd have gold medal, and I will just argue in the face I'm even if I'm wrong, I will argue in your face just until, until I have no breath left. I'm stubborn.'
She added that she's 'not the one to start the argument' but is willing to 'finish it,' continuing 'I won't go hunting for the drama but if someone wants to pick a fight with me, girls or not, then they're gonna get a response.'
Where is Shakira Khan from?
Shakira is from Burnley in Lancashire.
How old is Shakira Khan?
Shakira is 22 years old, making her one of the youngest contestants in the villa this year. Fellow cast member Tommy Bradley is also the same age as her.
Does Shakira Khan have a sister?
Yes - and they are pretty much identical! Fans were shocked when Shakira's sister, Layla, appeared on Aftersun with her mum to chat about Shakira's time in the villa so far. On X, viewers couldn't stop talking about how similar the sister's looked. 'Shakira's sister looks exactly like her #LoveIsland,' one user wrote. Another agreed, penning 'Shakira's mum and sister in #loveislandaftersun audience her sister looks like shakira #LoveIsland #LoveIslandUK.'
'She's smashing it and she's just being herself. She's got the boys wrapped around her finger,' Layla said. When asked about Ben, Layla said 'I'm not a fan but I feel they do feel like they match each other's freak a bit. I feel like she likes the chase and because he was so weird with her at the beginning, he sort of roped her in a bit.'
What does Shakira Khan want in a partner?
Shakira has been open about the fact she is looking for something long-term and serious. She said she wants 'someone who is tall, charming, witty, with big arms, a good smile and just really funny.'
However, she hasn't had much luck on the outside world. She describes her love life as 'booming', but adds 'they’re all frogs.'
She said: 'It’s a busy love life but I’ve not found 'the husband'. I'm looking for 'the one'. I’m looking for the ring.' When talking about her biggest turn off, Shakira admitted: 'Bag hygiene, like bad breath. I can't deal with it. Garlic breath or onion breath on a date is a big no-no.'
Shakira has revealed she bumped into many of the former islanders while out partying. 'So I'm a bit of a Manchester gal on a night out, and I definitely like to be in the VIP area sometimes,' she said. 'I've run into the likes of Callum Jones, Jess White, Tom Clare, Casey, Adam from season two. So definitely a few islanders bopping about in Manny.'
As for which former Love Island star takes her fancy? 'If Callum Jones was single, I would have give that a little try I think,' she revealed. 'I knew he had a girlfriend, so I stayed clear, I did get a little wink though,' she said.
Does Shakira Khan have Instagram?
Yes! Like many of the islanders, Shakira already has a pretty big Instagram following. You can keep up to date with her life at @shakirakhan16.