Even before she returned to the Love Island villa for the All Stars version of the show, Ekin-Su Cülcüloglu had cemented her status as a reality TV icon. The London-born actress, who won Love Island 2022 alongside Italian entrepreneur Davide Sanclimenti, entertained audiences with her fiery personality – which often got her into some epic clashes – and her undeniable charm.
But beyond villa life, Ekin-Su is embracing a new chapter, full of love, career milestones and plenty of laughter. And by her side is Curtis Pritchard, 29, the professional dancer who came fourth on Love Island 2019, coupled up with Maura Higgins. Now, between attending glam events and enjoying her first proper taste of life with Curtis outside the show, Ekin-Su, 30, talks to new about how they are navigating their fledgling relationship in the real world …
Hi, Ekin-Su! How are you finding post-villa life?
You know what, nothing has changed. We’re still the same. Of course, we’ve got more freedom now with where we want to go, what we want to do – more alone time just for us. But I feel like I’ve known Curtis pretty much all my life. It’s just nice to have a best friend and a lover. I can’t wait to see what the future holds.
Have you discussed your plans for the future?
We’re going to New York in a couple of weeks. I’m working in Texas and New York so, for me, it’s a work trip, but he’s going to come for the last four days and take me around New York. So he’s going to help, which is really supportive and he’ll have a little holiday too.
Are you conscious of giving each other space?
I feel like it’s so important to have your own life and your own stuff going on – to not make your partner your whole personality. It’s good to have your own hobbies, work, life. Then, when you see each other, you’ve got so much to talk about and it adds to your happiness.
How do you handle public scrutiny of your relationship?
We just believe in ourselves. When you love your own life, I feel like no one else’s opinions matter.
Have you had any blazing rows post-villa yet?!
We’ve not had any big disagreements yet, luckily. And I feel like if we ever did, we had tests in the villa, so… Communication is key. And everyone deals with things differently. We’re both the same but not the same – we sort of have a meeting point, which is maturity, I think.
You’re both a bit different from the people we met the first time. Did you bring that side out of each other?
Oh, 100%. I think we’re very alike in terms of our weirdness and quirkiness and our energy. Curtis just allows me to be who I actually am. I laugh a lot – I’ve been laughing more than I have in years. It’s partly because I’ve found a man who loves me and makes me be who I am. I’m just staring at him now… I’m just so in love with the man, but he has the most beautiful blue eyes as well. Every time I look at him, I get lost in them.
How did returning to the villa for All Stars compare to your first time in there?
I think I’ve always been who I am, but I feel like different people bring out different sides in you. This time around, I believe in myself more. I know who I am, I have boundaries and I have grown a lot. So finding love was a bonus. I wanted to go back and rewrite my love story and just have a laugh – and I did. I’m very grateful that I went back.
Do you still speak to anyone else from the villa?
Oh yeah, but everyone’s so busy doing their own thing. The girls added me to a WhatsApp group chat and I think we’re goingto meet soon for dinner. Me, Catherine, Gabby, Grace – and I think Elma’s coming as well.
