"I went after what I wanted" – Love Island UK runner-up Harry opens up about his decision to follow his feelings for Shakira

After finishing second in Love Island UK season 12, Harry thought about his controversial choice to connect with Shakira instead of Helena. In a post-show interview on Love Island: The Morning After, he said,

"I think obviously I hurt her feelings, and I didn't handle things the right way. But at the end of the day, I went after what I wanted, and I'm not in the business of hurting people's feelings."

According to Harry, the decision was based on what felt right. He knew it would risk backlash and change the course of his original pairing in the Love Island UK villa.

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Harry explains why he chose to follow his connection with Shakira over Helena on Love Island UK

Shakira and Harry’s bond developed naturally

Despite being original cast members, Harry and Shakira only got together during the final week of the series. This late twist surprised many viewers, but the pair highlighted the strength of their bond during their time together. Shakira said,

"When we had a solid week together... we must have just spoke for hours and hours and hours and hours on end," adding that it felt like she had known him for years.

Harry also acknowledged how quickly things progressed between them, stating,

"It was crazy, though, that thing, how we knew so much about each other. I think that surprised a lot of people."

According to him, the connection felt different compared to his previous experiences on the show.

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Addressing his past with Helena

Harry’s past connection with Helena played an important role in his Love Island experience. He realized that he could have handled the situation better, especially when it came to dealing with his changing feelings. When asked how he looked back on that relationship, he said,

"I feel great about it. I think obviously I hurt her feelings and I didn't handle things the right way."

He clarified that his intentions were not to cause pain but to pursue something he genuinely felt was worth exploring.

"I was really trying to move things forward, like what would I do to make it more serious, essentially," he explained.

Before Helena left the villa, the two agreed they could remain friends, something Harry described as "a great thing for me."

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Taking their connection beyond the Love Island UK villa

Now outside the villa, the couple is considering what’s next. Harry noted that he had come into the show feeling ready for a relationship, something he hadn’t expected.

"I never wanted to get into a relationship when I did with Emma. I think meeting you, I feel ready," he said to Shakira during the interview.

Shakira added that they are currently taking things slowly, while Harry joked about house hunting and mentioned he's already searching on Rightmove, pointing out "barn conversions in Berlin" as a playful reference to Shakira’s hometown.

They also discussed plans to rewatch clips of their time together in the Love Island UK villa. Harry especially wants to revisit the moments when he "tried to kiss her." Their future remains uncertain, but both appear committed to continuing what they started, as Shakira said,

"It's been magic. And if this is the start, then I'm looking forward to what we've got to come."

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Season 12 finale of Love Island UK is available to stream on ITVX and ITV2.

Edited by Stephany Montero