Inside Love Island star Harry Cooksley’s explosive fallout with millionaire best pal… & ‘betrayal’ that risked career

THEY were once as thick as thieves, both personally and professionally, but reality star Harry Cooksley has had a bitter falling out with his multi-millionaire best mate. Now we can reveal how the feud even threatened to end Harry’s football career as Harry Hugo took “sweet revenge” on his ex-pal – just a year after appearing on Love Island together. Harry Cooksley with Shakira Khan at the NTAs Credit: Getty Harry Cooksley in the Love Island villa with his friend Harry Hugo Credit: ITV Ahead of finding fame last summer, Harry’s successful namesake agreed to manage him after the ITV2 show. They had grown close during Harry’s three-year stint as a midfielder for non-league team Farnham Town FC – where Harry Hugo is chairman – playing 140 games and helping to win four trophies. Until recently, the pair were inseparable – with Harry spending so much time at his pal’s huge mansion that fans were convinced it was his. He even threw his homecoming gathering for his family and close friends at Hugo’s estate after returning from Majorca. But in recent weeks, their friendship dramatically ended when the semi-pro footballer “betrayed” Hugo by signing to his Love Island girlfriend Shakira Khan’s talent agency. Our insider said: “There was a big fallout when Harry Cooksley left his manager, Harry Hugo, who was also chairman of his former club Farnham. “Harry Hugo was absolutely furious and felt really betrayed – especially after everything he’d done to support and help Harry. “It was a real slap in the face. Harry Hugo won’t forgive his disloyalty.” Just 12 months ago, Hugo joined Harry’s mum in the Love Island villa for friends and family week, at the end of his series. They discussed Harry’s decision to break up with Helena after becoming exclusive – before quickly rekindling with Shakira. At the time, Hugo warned him about his friendship with Dejon Noel-Williams – who he criticised for calling Harry out in front of the villa, despite encouraging his bad behaviour. He advised: “With mates you crucify them in private and defend them in public. That didn’t happen and that did annoy me.” Hugo – who founded The Goat Agency before selling to WPP for a staggering nine-figure deal – had landed Harry jobs in the sports presenting industry as he embarked on a career after Love Island. He still wanted to play football too, as he was being paid £1k a week at Farnham, where he was dubbed “The Surrey Zidane” by adoring fans. Harry was all set for a fourth season at Hugo’s club – signing a new one-year contract on June 11. Weeks later, on July 20, it was announced on social media that Harry had signed with HLD Talent. The post read: “We’re so excited to introduce the amazing @harrycooksley8 to the HLD family. Harry played for Farnham Town Credit: TikTok/@farnhamtownfc Harry signed up to Shakira’s agency Credit: Instagram “Known for his whirlwind vlogs and wholesome content at home with fellow HLD roster member, Shakira Khan, Harry is a versatile content creator with an infectious personality and commanding on-camera presence. “When he’s not creating content across sport, lifestyle and fashion you’ll find him playing Semi Professional football and keeping his combined following of 850,000+ up to date on his hectic schedule!” Founder Hannah Holland said: “Well this is a big one. Welcome superstar.” Just nine days later, Farnham FC posted: “We can confirm that Harry Cooksley will not be joining up with the squad for the 2026/27 season, and will be departing this summer. “Harry made 140 apps for Farnham Town, scored 24 goals and played a huge part in our success over the last three years.” In a further lengthy statement, the club said he was leaving “for private reasons”, with Hugo adding: “I can speak for everyone associated with Farnham Town when I say we’re incredibly thankful for what Harry gave us during his three years here and what he helped deliver. “He played a very important part in our journey and helped us get to where we are today. We wish him nothing but the best.” A comment from Harry about leaving the team was missing from the statement. The couple finished in second place on Love Island 2025 Credit: Shutterstock Editorial They plan to make more content together Credit: Instagram Our source added: “Harry was shown the door at Farnham after signing with Shakira’s agency. “It was a massive shock to fans because he’d just renewed his contract and he’s very popular there. “Although the pair have tried to keep their fallout out of the public eye, news of the rift spread like wildfire through teammates. “Harry was a big part of why Farnham was promoted and he’s a big deal there so it’s been a surprise. “They both still follow each other on Instagram to keep up appearances but Harry Hugo’s decision to oust Harry was a huge power play. “He made it very clear Harry wasn’t welcome at the club any longer. “He knew how much that would hurt Harry, who was completely blindsided by the reaction to his move. He never thought Harry Hugo would be as upset as he was. “It was a risky move for his career – not because he won’t be successful at the new agency, but because he’s crossed a loyal friend.” Harry was blindsided after being dumped from the team Credit: Instagram Harry and Shakira coupled up on the show Credit: Shutterstock Editorial On August 8, just weeks after leaving Farnham, Harry revealed he was joining Bracknell Town FC in the Southern League Premier Division South. He posted an impressive social media video hitting back at trolls criticising him for leaving Farnham “to be an influencer” by announcing his new team. Harry and Shakira join the likes of Love Island series nine stars, Will Young and Jessie Wynter, who will be represented by HLD Talent. It is, however, unusual for couples to have the same management in case of conflicts of interest if their relationship ends. The move signals an intentional collaborative career with his girlfriend Shakira, who he recently moved in with. Meanwhile, entrepreneur Harry Hugo, 31, continues to chair Farnham FC and run a 25+ property portfolio. The Sun has reached out to both for comment.