08 November 2023 , 07:08
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Love Island's Ekin-Su Culculoglu says she and beau Davide Sanclimenti are 'happier than ever'.
The British-Turkish star, who found love with Davide on the hit ITV dating show in 2022, says "life feels like a dream". She revealed: "Our relationship is actually better recently because we keep it private. We enjoy each other's company."
Despite winning Love Island, the couple decided to split in June after being together for 11 months. Fans were heartbroken when Davide confirmed the news on Instagram, writing: "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."
Ekin-Su and Davide announced a brief split in June (Zak Hussein / SplashNews.com)However, things seemed to be back on track when Davide posted pictures from a holiday to Turkey to celebrate Ekin-Su's 29th birthday. Ekin-Su admitted to OK! that their relationship isn't perfect, but they're learning to communicate about their problems. She said: "No relationship is perfect but as adults we're learning to communicate those problems."
Chatting about her time on Dancing on Ice earlier this year, Ekin-Su said it was a real challenge. She was paired with Brendyn Hatfield and was the third celeb to leave the show, but she loved every minute of it. "There's lots of advice I could give new contestants," she shared. "Two things in particular. One, watch out for any negative comments and just try to ignore them. You need some thick skin."
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"And two, don't miss any hours of training because you need as much as possible. If you miss even an hour, you can feel it when you're on the show. It's really hard work but all worth it." When asked who she'd like to see win the iconic trophy, she said she hopes it's a woman. "It's been almost 10 years since a woman has won the competition - it's time for them to claim it. I'd love a woman to win it next year."
But while Ekin-Su enjoys reality TV, don't expect to see her on just any show. She might be returning to her acting roots soon. "I've just finished filming season two of The Traitors US, and that was a lot of fun. But the I'm a Celeb jungle, however, is something I'd love to do." "I'm also being more picky when it comes to TV shows. Basically anything that challenges me or gives me a chance to show my personality."
Before winning hearts on Love Island with her stunning entrance and quick wit, Ekin-Su starred in a Turkish soap opera. She said, "I'd also love to get back into acting, it's in my soul. I just haven't had the chance because of how busy I've been. I'd like to aim for the USA though - it's important to aim high in life," she told OK!.
Ekin-Su couldn't have imagined how much her life would change after leaving the Love Island villa. She admitted: "To this day, I still believe that I was going to get booted off on the second week. I can't believe I made it all the way to the end." The reality star is grateful for her journey, even though it's been overwhelming at times. She added: "But it's been a dream ever since. Overwhelming at times too, of course, but I'm very grateful for the platform I have now."
Ekin-Su credits her success to karma and being authentic. She shared: "I just feel like karma works. If you're a good person in life, good thing happen to you. And if you're a bad person, nothing will go your way. If I've learned anything this past year it's just to be myself and be authentic. Things don't last forever, so I'm very grateful and I want to savour every moment."
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can report any errors to [email protected]