Ekin-su Cülcüloğlu plans to ‘distance’ herself from Love Island to be her ‘own person’

Ekin-su Cülcüloğlu has shared that she would like to “distance” herself from dating competition Love Island.

The reality star, 28, from Islington, won the 2022 summer series of the ITV show with boyfriend Davide Sanclimenti, 27.

Ekin-Su has said that she wants to be her “own person" and pursue acting opportunities.

She previously gained experience as an actress earlier in her career, including appearing on Turkish soap opera Kuzey Yıldızı İlk Aşk.

Since winning the ITV dating show, the actress has recently appeared on ITV’s latest series of Dancing on Ice.

Ekin-Su has since suggested she doesn’t want to be confined to the “scene” associated with Love Island and is ready to “distance” herself.

During an interview with Women’s Health UK she shared that she often hears that she could be “forgotten” as new contestants rise to prominence.

New Islanders have gained followings since the second winter series of the dating show wrapped recently.

However, Ekin-Su said she was not fazed by comments of being forgotten, telling the magazine: “That doesn’t bother me because of who I am.”

She also discussed her plans for the future, saying: “Acting in films; playing roles and quirky characters; something that would make you think ‘Oh, Ekin is not this,’ but then I smash it…”

Ekin-Su has previously shared that she has not had a day off since appearing on Love Island but told the publication that she planned to begin her acting journey in March.

Ekin-Su said: “That’s when I start looking for an acting agency, putting myself out [there], you know, try to distance myself as much as I can from the Love Island scene and, yeah, be my own person.”

The reality star has just finished Dancing on Ice which saw her being trolled for a racy outfit that saw the show receive over 100 OFCOM complaints.

Previously Ekin-Su clapped back at comments about her “sexy” outfit, telling The Sun: “You know what? If you have ‘em flaunt them.

“I mean if you’ve got a nice bum and you look sexy in a unitard, why not. Who cares?”

Ekin-Su’s debut routine saw her crawling across the ice to recreate a scene from her time in the Love Island villa.

At the time, Dancing on Ice judge Jayne Torvill told Ekin-Su and Brendyn: “It was very sexy. But what I want more of is the skating.”

Since leaving the show, the reality star admitted to feeling “strong” despite facing intense trolling on social media.

During an episode of her podcast Reddit Talk with Ekin-Su and Joe Garratt, the reality star shared how she was doing following her elimination.

Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu told the show: “I’m strong. I’m absolutely fine. Yes I cried, I was upset. You know I’m human and I think that people always thought in Love Island I was always strong but I felt like all my fans and people, the viewers expected me to be strong all the time, but it’s not like that, I cared, that’s why I cried.

“I gave everything to that show and I had other commitments and I was juggling everything at the same time. And I know everyone else has commitments, but I had no days off at the time.”