Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu became a household name after winning Love Island in 2022. The Turkish actress and model quickly became one of the show’s most memorable contestants. Her dramatic relationship with Davide Sanclimenti captivated millions of viewers. In 2026, searches for “Ekin Su” remain extremely high. Fans want updates on her split from Davide, her television career, and her new life after reality TV.
The 31-year-old star has become a tabloid fixture since leaving the villa. Like Ashley Cain, she has faced intense public scrutiny. Therefore, this guide covers everything about Ekin-Su’s journey, her breakups, and her business empire.
Who Is Ekin-Su? Age, Background, and Early Career
Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu was born on 21 August 1994 in Islington, London. She is 31 years old as of 2026. Her parents are Turkish Cypriot, and she has one older brother. She studied musical theatre at the University of Central Lancashire .
Before Love Island, Ekin-So had already appeared on several television shows. She starred in the Turkish drama series Kuzey Yıldızı: İlk Aşk for a year in 2019 . She also appeared as a guest on The Only Way Is Essex in 2015 . However, global fame remained elusive until she entered the Love Island villa.
Her agent, Mark, later revealed that her pre-Love Island career had not been paying well. “Ekin had been paid about £1,000 per month for being the face of a fashion brand,” he explained . This humble background makes her current success even more remarkable. Lisa Armstrong also transformed her career after leaving pop band Deuce.
Love Island 2022: Winning with Davide Sanclimenti
Ekin-Su entered the Love Island villa on Day 4 of the 2022 summer series. Her entrance was dramatic and unforgettable. She famously crawled on the terrace while spying on new bombshells. Her chaotic energy made her a fan favourite.
Her tumultuous romance with Italian hunk Davide Sanclimenti became the season’s central storyline. They had dramatic arguments and passionate reconciliations. Their love eventually won over the public, and on 1 August 2022, they were crowned the winners of Love Island .
The couple became the highest-paid pair in Love Island history. They reportedly signed a £1 million joint deal with an advertising agency . They also landed their own reality TV series, “Ekin-Su & Davide: Homecomings,” which aired in early 2023 . It followed them visiting their home countries of Turkey and Italy .
The Split: Why Did Ekin-Su and Davide Break Up?
Ekin-Su and Davide announced their split in June 2023, just ten months after winning the show . The news devastated their millions of fans around the world.
Blindsided by their separation, many supporters immediately tried to assume what had gone wrong. In a joint statement, they said: “We have decided to part ways. We will always cherish the time we spent together and the memories we made” .
Neither of them confirmed an exact reason for the split. However, sources claimed that trust issues were a major factor . Davide moved on quickly, dating model Elena Ilinykh just weeks after their split .
Ekin-Su later teased that she would release a “diss track” about Davide. In July 2024, she announced she was writing a song detailing the “real story” of their breakup . Fans eagerly awaited the single, but it has not yet been released as of 2026 .
Ekin-Su’s Reality TV Career After Love Island
Ekin-Su has appeared on several major reality shows since Love Island. She competed on Dancing on Ice in 2023 . She finished in fifth place. Her skating partner was professional skater Brendyn Hatfield .
In January 2023, she participated in The Traitors US celebrity spin-off . Donna Preston also enjoyed success on Celebrity Big Brother before focusing on other projects.
She also appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in the UK. She entered the house as a “lodger” for two days in November 2024 . Her stint was brief but generated significant publicity. Ella Thomas from Love Island has similarly leveraged her fame into multiple television opportunities.
OHMG! Podcast with Bestie Olivia Attwood
Ekin-Su launched a podcast with her best friend, fellow reality star Olivia Attwood. The show is titled “OHMG!” . The unfiltered series promises to be “wonderfully chaotic” and “unapologetically authentic” .
Known for her bookish and nerdy interests, Olivia referred to her as her “Twin Flame”. Given their dramatic and chaotic energies, the podcast is expected to be a huge hit with their millions of fans .
Ben Shephard’s wife Annie has her own career away from the spotlight, much like Olivia balancing acting with her friendship with Ekin-Su.
Acting Comeback: Upcoming Film Projects
Ekin-Su has not abandoned her acting dreams. She will star in the new Amazon Prime drama titled “Olive” . The show is being co-produced by former Sky Media executive Emma Gormley, who also worked on “A Discovery of Witches”.
An insider said: “She is over the moon to be back on set doing what she loves the most,” .
Ekin-Su’s Net Worth in 2026
Her financial success has matched her media profile. Ekin-Su’s net worth is estimated to be approximately £3 million . The money has come from her extensive television work, including Love Island, Dancing on Ice, and The Traitors.
She has also signed million-pound brand deals with fashion and beauty companies. Her ex-boyfriend Davide has fared similarly, also boosting his bank balance to the same figure .
Why Ekin-Su Is Trending in 2026
Ekin-Su continues to trend for several reasons. Her upcoming drama series “Olive” has generated excitement. Her new podcast with Olivia Attwood has brought her back into headlines. and split from Davide still sparks curiosity among fans. Additionally, her Love Island season remains popular on streaming platforms, introducing her to new audiences.
With multiple projects in the pipeline, her star power shows no signs of fading. Pete Wicks has similarly stayed relevant through podcasting and television work.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How old is Ekin-Su?
Born 21 August 1994. She is 31 years old as of 2026 .
Who did Ekin-Su win Love Island with?
She won the 2022 series with her ex-boyfriend Davide Sanclimenti.
Why did Ekin-Su and Davide split?
They announced their split in June 2023. Neither gave an exact reason, but trust issues were rumoured.
What is Ekin-Su’s net worth?
Her net worth is estimated at approximately £3 million .
What TV shows has Ekin-Su been on?
Love Island, Dancing on Ice, The Traitors, Celebrity Big Brother and her show “Homecomings”.
Does Ekin-Su have a podcast?
Yes. She co-hosts “OHMG!” with her best friend Olivia Attwood .
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