Ekin-Su's rise to fame: From Love Island to Celebrity Big Brother
She took part in the 2024 series of CBB
Last updated 21st Aug 2024
Aah - Ekin-Su. It's fair to say that the former actress has skyrocketed to fame since being crowned the winner of Love Island 2022, alongside her ex-boyfriend Davide Sanclimenti. From her hilarious banter, to the epic drama she brought to the series, she kept us entertained pretty much all summer - and that was all just the beginning for Ekin-Su!
Pinned as one of Love Island's most successful contestants yet, it's clear that Ekin-Su has been working very hard since leaving the famous villa. From brand deals, to her own TV show and Celebrity Big Brother - let's take a look at her fruitful career so far, and what's to come in 2024. Ever wondered what she was doing before Love Island? Look no further...
Ekin-Su's career: What did she do before Love Island?
Career beginnings
Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu was born on 21st August 1994 in Islington, London, to her Turkish parents Sezer and Zekai. At the age of 10, Ekin-Su moved to Loughton, Essex where she later began studying musical theatre - attending East 15 Acting School.
2011: Ekin-Su competes in various beauty pageants
In 2011, Ekin-Su began to compete in various beauty pageants. When she was just 18-years-old, she represented Ireland as she competed in Miss Asia Pacific World. Despite not winning the contest, it's fair to say the Turkish beauty looked very glamorous in unearthed pics fans discovered on the Internet!
2014: Ekin-Su appears on reality TV series Lancashore
Going on to attend the University of Central Lancashire, studying performing arts, Ekin-Su appeared in the Uni's very own reality TV series! Titled Lancashore, the series was inspired by Geordie Shore, with the pilot episode showing a group of friends playing a game of Never Have I Ever in their university halls.
As Ekin's career was beginning to flourish, she went by various stage names. These included Susie Hayzel, Su Hayzel and Su Ekin Cülcüloğlu.
2020: Ekin-Su stars in Turkish TV show Kuzey Yıldızı İlk Aşk
In 2020, Ekin-Su landed a role in the Turkish television series Kuzey Yıldızı İlk Aşk. In the show, she plays the role of Işıl, who is a photographer from London, who saves the life of leading character Kuzey! The show aired on Turkish television, and is also available to watch on their YouTube.
Proving she's a woman of many talents, Ekin-Su also portrayed a serial killer in a Turkish soap opera.
2018: Ekin-Su featured in a music video
In 2018, Ekin-Su expanded her talents to not only singing, but dancing! The star appeared alongside Turkish pop singer Seçil Gür in her music video for track 'Yeniden Başlasın'. As well as busting some moves in the music video, Ekin-Su also featured on the track itself.
June 2022: Ekin-Su enters the Love Island villa
In 2022, Ekin-Su entered the Love Island villa as a bombshell! Her arrival caused quite a stir, with the Turkish beauty immediately setting her sights on Davide Sanclimenti, who was paired up with Gemma Owen at the time.
June 2022: Ekin-Su quickly becomes a fan-favourite
It wasn't long before Ekin-Su stole the heart of the nation on Love Island! With her fair share of drama, and hilarious sense of humour, fans even became convinced that Ekin was planted on the series as a mole, by show producers. Described as 'the gift that keeps on giving', it was clear that Ekin-Su held a special place in Love Island fans' hearts.
August 2022: Ekin-Su and Davide win Love Island 2022
On Monday 1st August 2022, Ekin-Su and Davide were officially crowned the winners of Love Island! Beating Gemma Owen and Luca Bish to the top spot, Ekin and Davide won over a whopping 63.69% of the public vote.
August 2022: Ekin-Su 'in talks' to become Loose Women panellist
Fresh out of the Love Island villa, Ekin-Su and Davide appeared on the Loose Women panel to talk about their relationship, and time on the show. Following her appearance alongside the Loose Women ladies, rumours were rife that Ekin-Su was 'in talks' to become an official panelist.
A source told OK! Magazine: "There are talks for Ekin-Su to join the panel – she'd be great. She was very naturally funny, open and honest, and that's what they want. She came across as really fun and genuine and she really impressed everyone.
"The Loose Women ladies also loved her. She really would be great as a regular panellist."
September 2022: She becomes Oh Polly's brand ambassador
It wasn't long before Ekin-Su was scooped up by fashion brand Oh Polly - releasing a collection with the retailer, and becoming their band ambassador. Modelling her collection on the runway, fans were obsessed as Davide cheered her on from the front row.
October 2022: More brand deals for Ekin-Su
And the brand deals didn't stop there! As fans of Love Island will know, the Islanders are partial to a few lucrative brand deals here and there once they leave the villa - and Ekin-Su is no different! Appearing at events for brands such as Oasis, the TV personality also had collabs with brands such as Beauty Works, BPerfect Cosmetics and Google.
October 2022: Ekin-Su & Davide: Homecomings
After months of rumours, and Davide later confirming the news, ITV officially announced in October 2022 that the Love Island winners had their very own show coming soon! Titled Ekin-Su & Davide: Homecomings, the show will follow the happy couple as they take two trips of a lifetime - one to Ekin-Su's hometown in Turkey, and another to Davide's native Italy.
October 2022: Ekin-Su is announced for Dancing On Ice 2023
On 5th October 2022, fans went crazy over the news that Ekin-Su would be joining the Dancing On Ice 2023 line-up! Just one month after the exciting news landed, Ekin-Su revealed that she had been paired up with professional skater Brendyn Hatfield, as the pair begin practicing their moves on the ice.
October 2022: Ekin-Su turns down Love Island hosting role
In late August 2022, Laura Whitmore announced the surprising news that she would be stepping down from her role as Love Island host. Following the news, rumours were rife with who would take over hosting duties, with the 2022 winner being pegged the 'perfect' replacement. After it was later confirmed that Maja Jama would be taking on the gig, Ekin-Su revealed that she actually turned down the job, saying: "I did get offered. I would've loved to do it, but I can't at the minute because of how busy I am. And I said I'm not ready for it."
February 2023: Ekin-Su exits Dancing On Ice
Ekin-Su gave some epic performances on ITV's Dancing On Ice - and showed off some incredible outfits along the way! Even after her boyfriend Davide made an appearance during one of her routines - topless, we might add - sadly her time on the show came to an end when she became the third celeb to be eliminated.
Speaking on a Reddit chat show, she said: "I gave everything to that show. I had other commitments and I was juggling everything at the same time, and I had no days off at the time. That just being gone was just like 'Oh my god that's gone now'.
"But the show has made me really, really strong. Love Island made me strong and Dancing On Ice made me even stronger and I'm very grateful for that."
October 2023: Ekin-Su appears on The Wheel as a 'Beauty expert'
Ekin-Su joined the celebrity 'expert' panel on Michael McIntyre's The Wheel in October 2023. Her expert category was beauty.
January 2024: Ekin-Su takes part in the American version of The Traitors
Ekin-Su joined the cast of the American version of The Traitors at the start of 2024. Unfortunately for her, she was eliminated in the fourth episode.
February 2024: Ekin-Su appears on celebrity special of The Weakest Link
Ekin-Su made an appearance on BBC quiz show The Weakest Link in February 2024, alongside the likes of Nikita Kuzmin, Grace Dent, and Dianne Buswell for a celebrity special.
March 2024: Ekin-Su enters the Celebrity Big Brother house
Following her split from Davide at the end of January, Ekin-Su was one of 13 celebrities to enter the Celebrity Big Brother house for the rebooted series in March 2024. Ekin-Su entered the house alongside the likes of Sharon Osbourne, Louis Walsh and Fern Britton.
Following an emotional disagreement with fellow housemate Marisha Wallace, who put Ekin-Su up for elimination during face-to-face nominations, the TV star became the fourth contestant to leave the house, on Friday 15th March.
May 2024: Ekin-Su teases a big announcement
On 28th March 2024, Ekin-Su got her fans VERY excited when she teased a new project, seemingly landing on 29th August 2024. Posted without a caption, Ekin-Su shared three images, each sharing part of the date, which was then pinned to the top of her Instagram grid. Although she didn't divulge any more information on the posts, many fans took to the comments to speculate - with one asking if she's heading back into the Love Island villa, and others suggesting she could have her own book on the way.
Now read:
Everything you need to know about Love Island winner Ekin-Su
Love Island's Ekin-Su reveals correct way to pronounce her name
Your ultimate guide to Celebrity Big Brother