Everything you need to know about Celebrity Big Brother and Love Island star Ekin-Su
She's not just a reality star!
She's the 2022 bombshell that brought both entertainment and drama into the Love Island villa, and after Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu won the show with ex-boyfriend Davide Sanclimenti, she's gone on to have one of the most successful careers in Islanders history - with even more exciting projects on the way in 2024.
As she's now split with Davide, and entertained the masses during her time in the Celebrity Big Brother house, here's everything you need to know about Love Island 2022 winner Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu, as we prepare for another huge year in her career...
Who is Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu?
Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu is an actress of Turkish origin who was a contestant on series eight of ITV2 show Love Island in 2022.
Ekin-Su entered the villa on Day Three alongside fellow bombshell Afia Tonkmor, with the beauty going on to win the show alongside Italian Stallion Davide Sanclimenti.
Ekin-Su also appeared on the 2023 series of Dancing On Ice, and entered the Celebrity Big Brother house in 2024 alongside the likes of Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh.
How old is she?
Ekin-Su was born on 21st August 1994, meaning she is currently 30-years-old.
Where is Ekin-Su from?
Although Ekin-Su is from Turkish descent, she was born in Islington, London, later moving to Essex. Ekin-Su now splits her time between Essex and Istanbul in Turkey.
What is her real name?
Ekin-Su is her real name, however, in the past she has used certain stage names such as Susie Hayzel, Su Hayzel and Su Ekin Cülcüloğlu.
How to pronounce Ekin-Su's surname:
After leaving the villa, Ekin-Su took part in a Q&A with her fans on Instagram where she confirmed how to pronounce her slightly tricky surname.
Breaking it down phonetically, Ekin said in the video: "It's pronounced as Jool-jool-olo".
Did Ekin-Su win Love Island?
She sure did! Ekin-Su was crowned the 2022 winner of Love Island alongside Davide, with the pair getting a record-breaking 63.69% of the final vote.
Check out the final placings below:
WINNERS: Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu and Davide Sanclimenti
63.69% of the vote.
2ND PLACE: Gemma Owen and Luca Bish
14.47% of the vote.
3RD PLACE: Indiyah Polack and Dami Hope
11.77% of the vote.
4TH PLACE: Tasha Ghouri and Andrew Le Page
10.07% of the vote.
What TV shows had Ekin-Su been on?
Ekin-Su was an actress in Turkey before she appeared on Love Island. She's also featured on shows such as Dancing On Ice, The Weakest Link, The Traitors US and Celebrity Big Brother in recent months.
Check out Ekin-Su career timeline below:
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.
Where did Ekin-Su finish on Celebrity Big Brother?
Ekin-Su was the fourth housemate to be evicted during the 2024 series. She left the house during a double eviction on Friday 22nd March.
What did Ekin-Su say after Celebrity Big Brother?
Following her eviction on Friday 15th March, Ekin-Su appeared on Late and Live, where she was grilled by hosts AJ Odudu and Will Best.
Ekin-Su was later due to appear on Lorraine on Monday 18th March, but she cancelled last minute and also didn't take part in the CBB final on Friday 22nd March. Due to her absence, fans were left concerned for the reality star.
On Sunday 24th March, Ekin-Su broke her silence, sharing a statement on her Instagram Story.
She wrote: 'I know it's unlike me to hide away, but I've been taking some time to reflect. Sometimes in our lowest moments, we learn the most important lessons about ourselves.
'I hope you don't think I was selfish for setting boundaries and putting my own needs first last night. I'm fully aware that not everybody will understand my absence, or think it was the right decision to make, BUT it was the right decision for me.
'I chose to remove myself from a potentially uncomfortable situation that I preferred to avoid. I'm proud of myself for recognising what I need during this time, despite the hate that might come my way.
'Accountability is key and when I'm ready, I will give some context around these past few weeks."
'Thank you to everybody who has sent kindness my way, I see you, and I appreciate you. The new chapter starts now. I hope everybody enjoyed watching the CBB final. A huge congratulations to David for the win'. (sic)
She later took to Instagram at the beginning of April to reflect on her time of growth, and thank fans and brands for supporting her, writing: 'Just a little message to say hi❤️
'Thank you once more for all your kindness.
'Took some time off to reflect, recharge and restore which i’m still very much doing but I’ll need to be back online for work purposes especially. Thanks to the brands who I work with who have respected my boundaries and shown compassion and love during the past year.
'Haven’t felt myself for a long time, and I’ve realised i had kind of lost myself and for a while didn’t know who I was beyond being defined by ex relationships or TV shows, and that needs to change! I am so excited for all the growth and full healing. CBB was the final lightbulb moment to make me realise what needs to be done.
'Embracing the fresh start to a new month and new era…. Wishing everyone an April full of possibilities. I am so grateful for each one of you ❤️'. (sic)
Where did Ekin-Su finish on Dancing On Ice?
On Wednesday 5th October ITV bosses confirmed Ekin-Su had signed up for the 2023 series of Dancing On Ice! Unfortunately for Ekin, after finding herself in the bottom two in Week Four, she was eliminated by the judges.
Speaking on Good Morning Britain, Ekin said: “I’ve got some amazing news to tell you, I’m going to be doing this year’s Dancing on Ice! I’m so excited, I can’t wait to get myself on the ice and skate. Stay tuned and see you on the ice!”
The 15th series of the show kicked off in January 2023, with Ekin-Su sharing TikToks showing how her skating skills are coming along! From solo spins, to twirls alongside her partner Brendyn Hatfield.
What is she doing now?
Ekin-Su returned to social media, following her stint in the CBB house, and has continued working with brands such as BPerfect Cosmetics and APM Monaco. Most excitingly, however, Ekin teased at the end of May that she had something new coming our way on 29th August 2024.
Sharing three images, each fitting together to complete the date 29/8/2024, Ekin has kept tight-lipped over what the next career move is, with many taking to the comments to speculate that she could be releasing her own book.
Is she on The Only Way Is Essex?
Despite rumours that the TV star was going to appear on TOWIE, as she is apparently friends with Pete Wicks, and was romantically involved with Lockie, she has denied any plans to appear on the show.
Opening up to Closer, Ekin-Su explained: "I don’t think it’s us. We’re not Essex. I mean I’m from Essex but I don’t see myself as an Essex girl, so I wouldn’t fit in the crowd."
However Ekin-Su did add: "I would probably have our own show and that would probably be more real… And produce it myself."
Is she going to host Love Island?
She isn't! Just a week after ITV confirmed Maya Jama was the new host of Love Island, Ekin-Su spoke to POPSUGAR UK where she revealed she was offered the hosting job.
She said: "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."
Who is she dating?
At this moment in time, it looks like Ekin-Su is single.
Why did she split from Davide?
After meeting in the Love Island villa and making their romance exclusive, the future looked bright for Ekin-Su and Davide, After returning to the UK following the show, the pair moved in together and enjoyed and looked very loved-up.
The pair briefly split in June 2023 before reconciling their romance, going on to spend Christmas together and a skiing holiday in January 2024.
However, at the end of January, Ekin-Su released a statement online to confirm she'd split with Davide for good, saying: 'The last 18 months have been a rollercoaster of ups and downs, just like every relationship. Davide and I both wanted to make this work as we cared deeply for each other. Unfortunately, I have recently made the decision to end our relationship and to go our separate ways.
‘Breakups are never easy. For any couple. And we hope that our privacy will be respected at this time. I enjoyed our time together and will cherish the memories we made.
'Thank you for your continued support. It's been so lovely to have you follow our Love Island journeys together since the villa and we hope you'll continue to follow our careers as we go off in our own directions'. (sic)
Just hours later, Davide posted his own statement online.
Check out Ekin-Su and Davide's relationship timeline:
JUNE 2022: Davide enters the Love Island villa
27-year-old business owner Davide Sanclimenti entered the Love Island villa on Day One, with viewers quickly swooning over his Italian accent and chiselling good looks.
Entering last, Davide was given then option to 'steal' one of the girls on Day Two. After a day of flirting and getting to know the original girls, Davide chose to couple up with 19-year-old Gemma Owen, leaving Welsh boy Liam Llewellyn single.
JUNE 2022: Ekin-Su enters the Love Island villa
27-year-old Turkish actress Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu entered the villa on Day Three alongside fellow bombshell Afia Tonkmor.
As the only single boy in the villa, both Ekin-Su and Afia enjoyed a date with Liam.
JUNE 2022: Ekin-Su and Davide couple up for the first time
Just two days after Ekin-Su entered the villa, the first recoupling of the series took place with Davide admitting he was torn between Ekin and Gemma.
After Luca Bish chose Gemma, Davide decided to couple up with Ekin-Su.
JUNE 2022: Ekin-Su kisses Jay behind Davide's back
Following the arrival of Scottish hunk Jay Younger, Ekin-Su was chosen for a date, which later led to a secret encounter with Jay on the terrace.
Ekin and Jay made every effort to hide from their fellow Islanders, crawling along the floor to avoid being spotted, before they enjoyed a steamy kiss.
JUNE 2022: Ekin-Su couples up with Jay
Ditching Davide, Ekin-Su chose to couple up with Jay during the second recoupling, whilst Davide coupled up with Gemma on a friendship basis.
JUNE 2022: Ekin-Su and Davide have explosive row
Following her secret kiss with Jay, Davide confronts Ekin about her actions, later leading to the now famous line of: "'You're a liar, an actress, go the f--k out."
JUNE 2022: Davide kisses Danica
Ahead of the third recouping, single boy Davide decided to get to know bombshell Danica Taylor, planting a kiss on her in the process.
JUNE 2022: Davide couples up with Antigoni
Davide left both his fellow Islanders and viewers at home in complete shock during the third recoupling when he chose Antigoni Buxton, despite kissing Danica just hours before.
JUNE 2022: Ekin-Su couples up with Charlie
After deciding she wasn't feeling Jay, Ekin-Su chose to get to know bombshell Charlie Radnedge, with the pair enjoying a date together in the hot tub.
During the third recoupling, Charlie picked Ekin-Su to couple up with.
JUNE 2022: Ekin-Su and Davide kiss during heart rate challenge
As it was clear to see Ekin-Su and Davide still had feelings for each other, Ekin-Su targeted Davide during the raunchy heart rate challenge, leading to viewers urging the pair to get back together.
JULY 2022: Ekin-Su and Davide recouple
Despite their explosive row just weeks prior, Ekin-Su and Davide's chemistry was unmatched, with Ekin deciding to couple up with Davide in the hope he would give her a second chance.
JULY 2022: Ekin-Su and Davide enjoy their first date
Bosses decided to send Ekin-Su and Davide on their first date outside of the villa, with the pair enjoying an afternoon at a vineyard.
Ekin-Su tells Davide: "I am ready to make it up to you, I am ready to try. It's cool if we take it slow, it's cool if we're friends, it's cool I'm not going to pressurise you at all. I just want to know that you'll give me a chance?"
JULY 2022: Davide kisses Coco and Mollie during Casa Amor
When Casa Amor hit, Ekin-Su went off to the other villa with the girls, whilst Davide stayed in the main villa with the boys.
Despite being coupled up with Ekin, Davide chose to kiss new girl Coco Lodge, before later sharing a kiss with Mollie Salmon in bed.
JULY 2022: Ekin-Su and Davide both return from Casa Amor single
Fans were thrilled when Ekin-Su chose to return back to the main villa single, and even more so when Davide was stood waiting for her. Despite kissing both Mollie and Coco whilst Ekin was away, the Italian admitted he had a better connection with the actress.
JULY 2022: Ekin-Su and Davide row over Adam
Upon the shock arrival of 2018 Islander Adam Collard, Davide and Ekin-Su endured another row when Davide admitted he has doubts about trusting Ekin.
Getting into a row, Ekin-Su says: "If you have trust issues, come to me. I've come in here alone, I didn't f--k up in Casa Amor, I'm all into you."
Davide said: "You didn't f--k up in Casa Amor, I honestly believe you didn't have enough attention."
Interrupting Davide, Ekin-Su added: "I don't give a f--k about Adam, I'll shout it. I don't give a f--k about Adam!"
JULY 2022: Ekin-Su and Davide make up
After talking out their worries like true grown-ups, Davide and Ekin-Su once again chose to couple up during the sixth recoupling, with the pair looking stronger than ever.
JULY 2022: New girl Nathalia sets her sights on Davide
Following the arrival of four late bombshells, including model Nathalia Campos, Ekin-Su had competition for her man.
In true style, the girls settled things with a pancake competition, judged by Davide. Luckily for Ekin, she was the winner!
JULY 2022: Ekin-Su and Davide go exclusive
Davide chose to ask Ekin-Su to make their relationship 'exclusive' with the help of a tiramisu.
He told Ekin: "I know we say to each other a lot of time that probably we want to wait until the outside to become officially boyfriend and girlfriend. I prepared something nice, an Italian tiramisu."
The tiramisu included the words 'be mine' in Italian, which Ekin quickly accepted.
JULY 2022: Ekin-Su and Davide become parents
Well, kind of! Ekin-Su and Davide took part in the famous baby challenge in the week leading up to the final. The pair decided to call their 'child' Irene.
Following the task, viewers were convinced Ekin-Su and Davide were trying to 'make their own babies' after seeing certain movements under the sheets...
JULY 2022: Ekin-Su and Davide enjoy epic final date on Love Island
It's fair to say bosses pulled out all of the stops for Ekin-Su and Davide's epic final date. The pair were surrounded by hundreds of candles in a Colosseum-themed setting, whilst English tenor Alfie Boe serenaded them.
JULY 2022: Ekin-Su and Davide meet each other's parents
Just days before the final, Ekin-Su and Davide were met in the villa by their closest family members! Davide translated his mum's lovely words from Italian to English, with both sets of families approving of their romance.
AUGUST 2022: Ekin-Su and Davide win Love Island
With a record-breaking 63.68% of the final vote, Laura Whitmore crowned Ekin-Su and Davide the 2022 winners of Love Island.
After bosses decided to remove the usual split or steal twist, Ekin-Su and Davide shared the £50,000 prize money.
AUGUST 2022: Ekin-Su and Davide return to the UK
Following their impressive victory, Ekin-Su and Davide travelled back to the UK with their fellow finalists, sharing this loved-up video as they boarded their flight home.
AUGUST 2022: Ekin-Su and Davide discuss plans to move in together
Ekin-Su and Davide appeared on Loose Women on 9th August, with the pair revealing plans to move in with each other.
She told the panel: "We're planning to, probably September, October time."
Ekin-Su also appeared on Lorraine on 15th August confirming they will be moving in together. The Love Island winner said: "Basically we've decided that we are moving in together, confirmed, it's official!
"And we are thinking perhaps end of September we're thinking to possibly move into Essex, where I'm from. Davide's not been to Essex and I feel like it's so nice because it's near London, it's easy to travel to, bit of countryside but then also a bit of that edginess to it as well."
AUGUST 2022: Davide surprises Ekin-Su for her birthday
Ekin-Su celebrated her 28th birthday on Sunday 21st August and Davide pulled out all of the stops! The Italian enlisted the help of an events company to decorate their hotel room, featuring huge light letters spelling out her name, a yellow bean bag, and a huge cake!
SEPTEMBER 2022: Ekin-Su shuts down Davide 'cheating' claims
After footage emerged of Davide getting into a taxi with two girls, Ekin-Su was quick to defend her man, shutting down the 'cheating' rumours.
Speaking to Goss.ie, Ekin-Su said: "I mean those videos, we know it's not true because I was talking to him the whole night. You know the relationship is between me and him and people like to talk.
"The truth behind that is it wasn't just him, it was a big group, and it just happened to be two girls in a taxi with him and his friend and it just looked wrong, that's all it was.
"And you know I trust him, he didn't cheat, and he's my man."
OCTOBER 2022: Davide reveals his relationship with Ekin-Su is going strong
During a chat with The Mirror at the beginning of September, Davide confirmed the pair's relationship is going very well. He said: "We feel like we are actually a proper boyfriend and girlfriend. We feel like a proper couple because in the villa it's not the real world. We were scared that we couldn't work in the real world, but we actually saw that we work and work better. We had fiery times in the villa but we've been really good after. We've had a few small arguments but healthy ones. You need a few small arguments in the relationship in order to feel it's real.
But apart from that we feel better since we left the villa. It's nice when I wind her up and she winds me up and then we love each other."
OCTOBER 2022: ITV reveal details of Ekin-Su & Davide: Homecomings
On Tuesday 4th October, ITV confirmed details of the couple's new show, which will be called Ekin-Su & Davide: Homecomings. The show will see the couple take two trips of a lifetime to visit their hometowns in Italy and Turkey.
OCTOBER 2022: Davide asks Ekin-Su to move in
In mid-October, Davide surprised Ekin-Su whilst the pair were dining out at a restaurant. Davide wrote the words 'Moving In?' in chocolate sauce on a dessert board, much to Ekin-Su's delight.
NOVEMBR 2022: Davide and Ekin-Su take a trip to Dubai
Ahead of the release of their spin-off show, Davide and Ekin-Su took a romantic break to Dubai, where they enjoyed the sun, explored the desert, and took in the wonderful sights.
NOVEMBER 2022: Davide and Ekin-Su attend the TV Choice Awards
After returning from Dubai, Davide and Ekin-Su attended the TV Choice Awards, where they showed just how loved-up they are on the red carpet. Ekin-Su also presented the award for Best Daytime Show at the ceremony.
NOVEMBER 2022: Ekin-Su & Davide: Homecomings airs
After weeks of teases, Ekin-Su & Davide: Homecomings aired on ITV2 on Monday 28th and Tuesday 29th November. The two-part series showed the couple going to both Italy and Turkey to meet each other's families, as well as showcasing their love for each other.
DECEMBER 2022: Davide gifts Ekin-Su a promise ring
Are Ekin-Su and Davide engaged? Well, not quite. As the Love Island winners enjoyed drinks on a rooftop terrace in Rome, Davide surprised Ekin-Su with a large Christmas present that got smaller and smaller until she reached a ring-size box. The box contained a promise ring, which Davide then put on her ring finger. Ekin-Su later showed it off on her Instagram Stories!
APRIL 2023: Ekin-Su confirms she's still with Davide
After rumours emerged that Davide had 'cheated' on Ekin-Su whilst she was away working, fans were convinced the couple had split, especially when the pair seemingly stopped posting pictures together.
However, in April 2023, Ekin-Su replied to a fan's question on her Instagram Story, revealing the pair are very much still together.
JUNE 2023: Davide announces he's split from Ekin-Su
At the end of June, Davide took to his Instagram Story to confirm he'd split from Ekin-Su. He wrote: 'Ekin-Su and I are no longer together.
'I am grateful for the memories and opportunities we shared together and I wish her nothing but the best. I would like for everybody to respect this decision during this difficult time.
'I will continue to support Ekin in anyway possible.'
JULY 2023: Ekin-Su breaks silence about split
Two weeks after Davide's statement, Ekin-Su broke her silence, taking to Instagram to thank fans for their support, and informing them she's keen to get stuck into exciting work projects.
AUGUST 2023: Davide and Ekin-Su spend time in Turkey together
Despite their split, Davide and Ekin-Su got fans talking in August, when the pair enjoyed a holiday together in Turkey to celebrate Ekin's birthday. Davide posted this photo to his Instagram Story, with the caption: 'Despite all the storms, I wanted to make this day special for you... Enjoy the moment, make a wish and blow hard. Happy birthday @ekinsuofficial.'
SEPTEMBER 2023: Ekin-Su and Davide attend the NTAs together
Following their reunion, Ekin-Su and Davide attended the National Television Awards together in September 2023, walking the red carpet hand-in-hand. Since then, the pair have attended a number of other events as a couple and often appear on each other's Instagram Stories.
DECEMBER 2023: Ekin-Su and Davide spend Christmas together
Just days before Christmas 2023, Ekin-Su and Davide enjoyed a trip to London's Winter Wonderland. The pair, who looked very loved-up, shared a Reel from their time at the event.
JANUARY 2024: Ekin-Su confirms she's split from Davide
In a huge shock to fans, Ekin-Su released a statement on Tuesday 30th January to announce she'd made the decision to end things with Davide.
She wrote: 'The last 18 months have been a rollercoaster of ups and downs, just like every relationship. Davide and I both wanted to make this work as we cared deeply for each other. Unfortunately, I have recently made the decision to end our relationship and to go our separate ways.
'Breakups are never easy. For any couple. And we hope that our privacy will be respected at this time. I enjoyed our time together and will cherish the memories we made.
'Thank you for your continued support. It's been so lovely to have you follow our Love Island journeys together since the villa and we hope you'll continue to follow our careers as we go off in our own directions'. (sic)
Did Ekin-Su and Davide have their own show?
They did! After Davide dropped the news in August 2022 that they'd landed their very own spin-off show, ITV bosses confirmed the exciting project in October of the same year, revealing the show would be called Ekin-Su & Davide: Homecomings.
The two-part series, which aired on ITV2, saw the loved-up pair taking two trips of a lifetime, one to Ekin-Su's hometown in Turkey, and another to Davide's native Italy.
The show aired on Monday 28th November and Tuesday 29th November 2022.
Is Ekin-Su really an actress?
On her arrival into the Love Island villa, Ekin-Su dubbed herself as an 'actress'.
Ekin-Su appeared in a Turkish soap opera called Kuzey Yildizi, playing the role of Isil who was a photographer from London who goes on to save the life of main character Kuzey.
Whilst studying performing arts at the University of Central Lancashire, she also appeared in her very own reality TV series called Lancashore, which was inspired by Geordie Shore.
Ekin-Su looks totally unrecognisable in the pilot episode, which shows the group playing a game of Never Have I Ever whilst in their university halls.
Can she sing?
Although Ekin-Su introduced herself as an actress when she entered the villa, it turns out she also has a talent for singing!
Whilst she was in the villa, Love Island fans found a music video from 2018 that sees Ekin singing and dancing alongside Turkish singer Seçil Gür.
Watch Ekin-Su in the Seçil Gür music video:
We also can't forget about her incredible rendition of 'Twinkle Twinkle' during the Baby Challenge on Love Island, where fans likened her to Mariah Carey.
Who did Ekin-Su couple up with on Love Island?
Ekin-Su coupled up with a number of boys on Love Island.
After an initial date with Liam Llewellyn, Ekin-Su quickly expressed her interest in Italian hunk Davide Sanclimenti. She then left Davide to get to know Jay Younger, before coupling up with Charlie Radnedge.
However, as we all know, in the end Ekin-Su found her way back to Davide.
Who is Ekin-Su's brother?
Ekin-Su's brother Arda Cülcüloğlu caused a stir whilst his sister was in the villa, thanks to his appearances on Love Island Aftersun.
Fans likened Arda to popular actor Timothée Chalamet, with many calling for bosses to send him into the villa, before discovering he was only 17-years-old.
Arda did make an appearance later in the series, visiting his sister alongside his mum during the famous Meet the Parents challenge.
Which clothing brand does Ekin-Su work with?
At the beginning of September 2022, Ekin-Su announced a collaboration with clothing brand Oh Polly.
She wrote on Instagram: 'EKIN-SU X OH POLLY IS OFFICIAL!! 🤍
'This is the news I’ve been waiting to tell you all …
'I am beyond excited to announce that I am now the face of @ohpolly
'I honestly can’t believe this is happening - it is a complete dream come true for me!
'I have always loved the quality & fit of @ohpolly as you will all have seen during my time on Love Island.
'We have so many amazing things in the pipeline and I cannot wait for you guys to see what we have been working on.
'Thank you so much to everyone for all their love and support - I see all of you.
'This journey wouldn’t be possible without you all. I can’t wait to bring you all along on this exciting new venture'. (sic)
Ekin-Su's collection with Oh Polly launched on 15th September in 2022.
How can I follow Ekin-Su on Instagram?
You can follow Ekin-Su on Instagram: ekinsuofficial
She currently has 3.5 million followers.
Why did Ekin-Su enter Love Island?
Speaking about why she felt the time was right to enter the villa, Ekin-Su told bosses: "I’ve seen relationships that have worked out really well - and marriages! Dom and Jess, Camilla and Jamie - they’ve had kids as well.
"Dating for me has been very hard, especially in today’s world with dating apps. It’s a very false perception of somebody on these apps. I’ve found that whenever I’ve tried to date somebody through these apps, it’s been really unsuccessful. I’m looking for that real genuine spark and they just see me as me. I think the concept of the show brings back true and raw feelings."
Now read:
Ekin-Su's rise to fame: From TV shows to Love Island winner
Love Island's Ekin-Su and Davide have SPLIT for a second time
Love Island's Ekin-Su reveals correct way to pronounce her name