Kady McDermott's £3,000 Dog Flight Signals Dubai Lifestyle Cost
Reality star's Gulf move highlights the price tag of a luxury expat life
Kady McDermott’s relocation to Dubai has come with a £3,000 bill to fly her dog Coby business class, a detail that captures the scale of the spending now defining the former Love Island star’s public image. Money and luxury sit at the centre of her new life in the emirate, and it is the economics of that lifestyle, as much as the romance, that has set her friends talking.
The 30-year-old has moved there with her on-off boyfriend Henry Simmons, the heir to a wealthy property developer. Last Christmas, she showed fans a haul of presents estimated to be worth around £22,000, including a Hermes bag, a display of generosity that underlines just how comfortably Henry, who previously appeared on reality show Absolutely Ascot, can provide.
The financial picture is not one-sided, though. Insiders say Kady also has her own income from influencing and brand work, and Henry certainly has the means to fund a comfortable life for them both. But her namesake company was officially dissolved in October 2023, and that has raised questions online about how the jet-set lifestyle she regularly showcases is being funded. That lifestyle has been documented in a stream of glamorous posts, from sunset yacht trips and balcony views to a huge bouquet of red roses. In one picture she was cuddled up beside Henry and Coby, though only his arms were visible.
One pal said: “Kady has never been shy about showing off the lifestyle she leads. She loves the nice things and being treated, and she’s very open about that. Henry really spoils her, and she enjoys being able to live that lifestyle. But among some of her friends, there is a feeling that it can become a bit much. She talks about money, expensive presents and where she’s been travelling quite a lot, and not everyone finds it relatable. Sometimes people just want to hear about something other than the next holiday or designer purchase.”
Dubai has long been a favourite destination for Kady, who has enjoyed luxury breaks there in the past. What changed last year was the scale of the commitment: she moved her whole life overseas to be with Henry. A source said at the time: “She’s back with Henry and they’re living in Dubai together. She’s moved her whole life to be with him so everyone’s hoping it all works out this time as they’re so on and off.” Reference coverage of her lifestyle and romance can be found at https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/40860640/kady-mcdermotts-luxury-dubai-lifestyle/.
The relationship has been turbulent since it began in September 2024, after Kady split from Scottish footballer Ouzy See, whom she met during her second stint on Love Island. Months in, she appeared to accuse Henry of being unfaithful, posting: “I caught two girls leaving his house Saturday morning whilst he was in his boxers,” and adding, “I’m definitely not the problem.” In another post she declared: “If any of you see me with a man again just know I was held hostage cos I am honestly DONE with them all,” and continued: “No matter how good you are to someone you can’t change their bad morals unfortunately.”
Despite the fall-out, the pair reconciled, with Kady later posting pictures in his Ferrari. They were back together in November last year before splitting again in April, when insiders claimed Henry had called time on the relationship. A source told The Sun: “Henry and Kady have had their ups and downs since they started dating. Henry called things off again a couple of weeks ago for the summer. Kady’s friends are convinced he just does things like this so he can enjoy a single summer. He’s been accused of cheating on her in the past and she took him back, and she’ll no doubt give it another go again once he comes crawling back.” The source added: “Her friends are worried about her but she’s smitten, and loves the lifestyle that comes with dating Henry.”
Kady first found fame at 21 on the second series of the ITV2 dating show in 2016, finishing third with Scott Thomas before later dating TOWIE’s Myles Barnett from 2018 to 2021, footballer Matty Cash and Londoner Liam Greer. She returned to the villa in 2023, coupling up with Ouzy in Casa Amor before splitting weeks later.
One pal adds: “Kady has moved her life to Dubai and made a huge commitment to the relationship. She’s taken her dog, left her usual surroundings and really thrown herself into this new chapter. There’s a concern that she is building her life around Henry rather than making sure she has something independent of him. She has always been fiercely independent, so people want to see her maintaining that side of herself.” Another source summed up the worry: “Her pals worry that this could all come crashing down if things don’t work out with Henry.” Kady’s representatives were contacted for comment.
Whether her own earning power grows to match the lifestyle she now showcases, or the relationship absorbs another on-off cycle, may decide how sustainable her Dubai chapter proves to be.
Q&A
How much did Kady McDermott pay to fly her dog to Dubai?
She paid £3,000 to fly her dog Coby business class as part of her relocation to Dubai.
Who funds the luxury lifestyle she showcases?
Henry Simmons, the heir to a wealthy property developer, largely funds it, though Kady also has her own income from influencing and brand work.
What happened to Kady's company?
Her namesake company was officially dissolved in October 2023, which has raised questions online about how her jet-set lifestyle is funded.
What is the status of her relationship with Henry Simmons?
The relationship, which began in September 2024, has been turbulent with repeated splits and reconciliations, including a split in April when Henry reportedly called things off for the summer.