Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu is a British-Turkish actress, model, and television personality, known for her captivating presence in reality TV. Born on August 21, 1994 (age 29), in London, she pursued her passion for performing arts at the University of Central Lancashire. Before gaining widespread recognition, she competed in beauty pageants, including Miss Asia Pacific World, and later transitioned into acting.
Her early acting career included a notable role as Isil, a London-based photographer, in the Turkish soap opera Kuzey Yıldızı İlk Aşk in 2020. However, her real breakthrough came with her appearance on Love Island 2022, which propelled her to stardom.
Ekin-Su’s Love Island Journey and Rise to Fame
Ekin-Su entered the Love Island villa on day three of the 2022 season, making an immediate impact as a confident and dynamic contestant. She joined the show as a bombshell entrant, alongside Afia Tonkmor, and quickly became one of the most talked-about contestants of the season.
During her time on the show, she formed a highly publicized relationship with Italian businessman Davide Sanclimenti. Their fiery romance, filled with dramatic moments and emotional reconciliations, made them fan favorites. Ultimately, they won the competition and took home the £50,000 prize, which they split between them.
Following Love Island, Ekin-Su’s popularity soared, and she became one of the most successful contestants in the show’s history. As of February 2024, she has amassed over 3.5 million Instagram followers, solidifying her status as a prominent influencer and celebrity.
Ekin-Su’s Net Worth and Career Growth
Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu has an estimated net worth of £1.6 million, a figure that continues to grow due to her numerous business ventures and TV appearances.
One of her most lucrative deals came in August 2022, when she signed a £1 million fashion contract with Oh Polly, making her the face of the brand. This marked one of the biggest post-Love Island deals in history. Shortly after, she became the highest-paid Love Island contestant to compete on Dancing on Ice 2023, receiving a £100,000 contract, significantly more than the usual £30-50k payment for former contestants.
She has further expanded her income streams through brand partnerships, social media endorsements, and reality TV appearances. These strategic moves have solidified her position as one of the most financially successful Love Island alumni.
Ekin-Su’s Reality TV Career
After Love Island, Ekin-Su capitalized on her newfound fame by securing multiple TV opportunities. Some of her most notable appearances include:
- Ekin-Su & Davide: Homecomings (2022) – A travel-themed ITV2 reality show where she and Davide explored their cultural roots in Turkey and Italy.
- Dancing on Ice (2023) – She competed as a contestant, making headlines for her daring performances and high-profile participation.
- The Traitors USA (2024) – Ekin-Su made her US reality TV debut in the American version of The Traitors, alongside celebrities like Larsa Pippen and Phaedra Parks.
- Celebrity Big Brother (2024) – In February 2024, she was confirmed as a contestant on the highly anticipated return of Celebrity Big Brother, alongside stars like Louis Walsh, David Potts, and Nikita Kuzmin.
These appearances have helped her maintain a strong presence in the entertainment industry and expand her international reach.
Ekin-Su’s Personal Life and Relationships
Ekin-Su’s high-profile relationship with Davide Sanclimenti captivated audiences both during and after Love Island. However, after nearly two years together, the couple announced their split in early 2024. Despite their breakup, Ekin-Su has maintained a positive outlook on relationships, emphasizing the importance of trust and privacy in the public eye.
In past interviews, she has spoken candidly about the challenges of maintaining a relationship in the spotlight, stating:
“One thing I’ve learned in this relationship, you have to trust your boyfriend or girlfriend because in the public eye, it’s not easy.”
The Meaning Behind Ekin-Su’s Name
Her unique name, Ekin-Su, has special significance in Turkish culture. The name Ekin means “harvest”, symbolizing growth and prosperity, while Su translates to “water”, representing purity and life. This meaningful combination reflects her resilient and ever-evolving career in entertainment.
What’s Next for Ekin-Su?
With a growing net worth, continuous TV appearances, and a strong social media presence, Ekin-Su’s career is showing no signs of slowing down. Her participation in Celebrity Big Brother 2024 could further solidify her as a household name in reality TV.
She remains active in the fashion and beauty industry, frequently collaborating with brands and engaging with her vast online audience. Whether through acting, modeling, or reality TV, Ekin-Su has positioned herself as a versatile and enduring public figure.
Her journey from beauty queen to global reality TV star showcases her determination, charisma, and business acumen. As she continues to expand her brand and career, Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu is set to remain a prominent figure in the entertainment industry for years to come.