Ekin-Su Culculoglu has "lost friends" since winning 'Love Island'.
Ekin-Su Culculoglu has lost friends since winning Love Island
The 29-year-old reality star shot to fame when she and former boyfriend Davide Sanclimenti won the hit ITV2 reality show in 2022 and has now warned future contestants of the series that they need to stay "true" to themselves instead of rushing into things with their partner but revealed that her sudden spell in the public eye has even cost her some friends.
She told Heat magazine: "You need to realise there are a lot of eyes on you. Live [your relationship] privately and have your own space, but also trust your partner and communicate with them. Don't rush to live together straight away.
"Get to really know each other, and then, when the time is right, move in together and enjoy every moment. Some relationships, like that of Molly-Mae [Hague] and Tommy [Fury]last forever-you get married and have kids. But you just have to stay true to yourself and don't let fame change you.
"I lost friends. I've still got friends now, but not as many as I did before. Our series was very popular, and it felt like a different kind of pressure when I left."
Ekin was then asked what she had learned since her time in the villa and explained that she is a "confident and powerful" woman but insisted that despite her fame, she is still human.
She said: "That I am a strong woman. I'm confident and powerful, but I also have times when I do get mad over little things. Fame doesn't mean you're some sort of robot."
Following her time on the show, Ekin went on to take part in ITV1's 'Dancing on Ice' - where she was eliminated third along with professional partner Brendyn Hatfield - and addressed false rumours that she would be joining BBC rival 'Strictly Come Dancing' this year, noting that she would like to compete on it at some point.
She added: "I'd love to do ['Strictly'] - that didn't mean I'm doing it this year. I'd love to do it eventually!"