Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu, the magnetic star who stole hearts on Love Island in 2022, has made a bold decision to step away from the villa for good, turning down a lucrative offer to return for Love Island All Stars. Speaking exclusively to The Mirror on the red carpet at the National Television Awards, the 31-year-old Turkish-British model was candid about her desire to leave reality TV romances behind and focus on finding her “dream man” in the real world.
“It’s time I moved away from that and found a real man now. It’s time I got married,” Ekin-Su declared, putting an end to swirling rumors about a potential comeback to the iconic ITV2 show. While she expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming series and hinted at hearing “rumors of some names” in the lineup, she was firm: “I’m not going to be on there. I love the show, and I’m glad I did it, but it’s time I move on.”
Ekin-Su’s journey on Love Island catapulted her to fame when she won the 2022 series alongside Davide Sanclimenti. However, their romance fizzled out amid allegations of infidelity, leaving Ekin-Su to navigate the complexities of love in the public eye. More recently, her whirlwind romance with professional dancer Curtis Pritchard, 29, on the January series of Love Island All Stars captured viewers’ hearts—only to end in May. Despite the breakup, Ekin-Su remains gracious, revealing that she and Curtis are still on good terms. “We are friends. We still speak all the time, and I’ve got nothing but lovely words to say about him,” she shared, showcasing her trademark warmth and maturity.
While her dating history has often made headlines, Ekin-Su is ready to close the chapter on villa-based love stories. Her sights are set on a deeper, more lasting connection—one that leads to marriage and a life beyond the reality TV spotlight. “I’m focused on my future and finding real love,” she told The Mirror, her words carrying a sense of determination and optimism.
Beyond her personal life, Ekin-Su is thriving professionally, with a packed schedule that reflects her relentless drive. She’s gearing up for the premiere of Inside: USA, a new Netflix reality series set to debut on September 21. Produced by the UK YouTube collective Sidemen, the show will see Ekin-Su living alongside American stars, including Selling Sunset’s Breana “Bre” Tiesi, as they navigate challenges and dynamics under one roof. But that’s not all—Ekin-Su teased an exciting non-reality TV project on the horizon, hinting at a major career move. “I’ve been busy working my arse off,” she said with a laugh. “I just came back from Venice, and now I’m flying to America. I’m burnt out, but life is about working hard. You’ve got to grab it with both hands.”
Ekin-Su’s decision to walk away from a reported million-dollar deal to return to Love Island speaks volumes about her priorities. While the villa offered her fame and unforgettable moments, she’s ready to carve out a new path—one that balances her ambitious career with her quest for a committed partner. As she steps into this next chapter, Ekin-Su’s message is clear: the reality TV star who once lit up the Love Island villa is now chasing a love story and a legacy all her own.