Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu is no stranger to the spotlight. With her fiery passion, unforgettable moments, and undeniable charm, she made waves during season 8 of Love Island in 2022. Now, fans are eagerly awaiting her return, as she exclusively confirmed to Us Weekly that she’s coming back for Love Island: All Stars season 2, and this time, she’s bringing an evolved version of herself to the villa.
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“It’s about rewriting my story,” Ekin-Su, now 30, told Us Weekly in an exclusive interview. “It’s about overcoming traumas, having a laugh along the way, and embracing life with a renewed sense of perspective.” For Ekin-Su, this second chance in the Love Island villa is not just about finding love—it’s about reconnecting with herself and showing fans the growth and confidence she’s gained since her first appearance.
A Full Circle Moment
For many reality stars, returning to a familiar franchise might come with some anxiety or uncertainty. But for Ekin-Su, this return feels like a homecoming. After all, her time on Love Island was a life-changing experience. “It’s a full circle moment for me,” she explained. “I’m not the same person I was in 2022. I’ve grown. I’ve learned. I’ve faced challenges and come out stronger.”
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When viewers first met Ekin-Su, she was the fiery, unapologetic contestant who made an immediate impact, both with her flirtations and her drama-filled moments. Her relationship with fellow contestant Davide Sanclimenti captured the hearts of many, but after their win, their relationship did not have the fairytale ending fans hoped for.
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“It’s funny how life works out,” Ekin-Su reflects. “I’ve come so far since that time. I’m much more confident in who I am now, and I understand my worth more than ever before. I now know what I deserve in a relationship.”
Though her previous relationship didn’t work out as expected, Ekin-Su is determined to make her next chapter in Love Island: All Stars a fresh and empowering one. “This is Ekin 2.0,” she says with a smile. “I’m stepping into this new phase of my life with more confidence, more clarity, and more strength.”
Ready for Anything, But Focused on Growth
As the Love Island: All Stars season 2 casting announcement looms, fans can’t help but wonder if Davide will also be making a return. Though Ekin-Su doesn’t know what the future holds, she’s made it clear that she won’t let anything, or anyone, from her past stand in the way of her new journey.
“I wouldn’t let seeing my ex in the villa impact my experience,” she shared confidently. “My previous relationship is over for a reason. I’m not interested in revisiting that chapter. I’m focused on moving forward and embracing what’s next.”
For Ekin-Su, it’s all about following her instincts. “I’m going into this experience with an open heart, open mind, and a clear sense of purpose. I’m not worried about what’s behind me—I’m looking ahead.” Whether or not Davide, or any other exes, will be in the mix, Ekin-Su is determined to keep her focus on herself, her journey, and what she wants for her future.
“I’ve got so much to offer and so much to look forward to,” she added. “I’m ready to take on whatever comes my way, and I’m excited for what the future holds.”
Lessons Learned from Celebrity Big Brother and The Traitors
Ekin-Su’s return to Love Island: All Stars isn’t her first time on reality TV since her time on the iconic dating show. After her win, she ventured into other projects, including Celebrity Big Brother and The Traitors. These experiences provided her with additional growth and self-awareness, lessons that she plans to take with her into the villa this time around.
“I’ve learned so much about myself on these other shows,” she confessed. “On Celebrity Big Brother, I learned to be more mindful about how I react to things that don’t really matter in the long run. Sometimes, you just need to step away, take a breath, and realize that things aren’t as big of a deal as they seem.”
It’s clear that Ekin-Su’s time in the spotlight has equipped her with the tools she needs to navigate the highs and lows of Love Island: All Stars with a new perspective. “I’ve grown so much in terms of how I approach relationships, how I deal with stress, and how I remain true to myself even when things get difficult.”
In addition to emotional growth, Ekin-Su has a fresh look that will undoubtedly turn heads when she enters the villa. With a closet packed with stylish looks from top brands like Mars the Label, House of CB, Odd Muse, and Outcast Clothing, she’s ready to make a bold fashion statement alongside her powerful personality.
Inspiring Others to Embrace Change
One of the key messages Ekin-Su hopes to convey through her participation in Love Island: All Stars is the importance of moving forward after a breakup and embracing the unknown. “I want to encourage all women, whether they’re my fellow castmates or the viewers watching at home, to not fear the unknown,” she said. “Breakups can be tough, but they are just a stepping stone to something better. Be brave, be bold, and don’t be afraid to start over.”
Ekin-Su’s words are both empowering and relatable, especially for those who have gone through heartbreak and come out stronger on the other side. She’s a living testament to the power of reinvention and the importance of never giving up on love—even when it seems impossible.
What’s Next for Ekin-Su?
As Love Island: All Stars season 2 kicks off on January 13, Ekin-Su’s return is bound to be one of the most anticipated moments of the year. Fans of the show are eager to see how her journey unfolds in South Africa, and whether she will find the love and happiness she deserves this time around.
Whatever happens in the villa, one thing is certain: Ekin-Su is ready for the next chapter of her life. “It’s time to embrace who I am now, and show everyone what I’m really made of,” she said. “The past is behind me, and the future is bright.”
Love Island: All Stars season 2 begins streaming on ITVX in the U.K. on January 13. Don’t miss the thrilling return of Ekin-Su as she takes on the villa with a fresh outlook on life and love.
