Ekin-Su feeling ‘burned out’ may upset Love Island fans who beg for star to join show Wed 31 January 2024 05:00 Updated Mon 12 February 2024 00:11 Helen Williams
Michael Green
Published Apr 05, 2026
Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu has all the reality TV experience under her belt but it hasn’t come without its challenges. The star shot to fame two years ago when she and her now ex-boyfriend, Davide Sanclimenti won series 8. Since they took home the trophy, Ekin-Su went on to star on Dancing on Ice as well as The Traitors US.
Following the Love Island champions’ split, fans of the current All Stars spin-off show are eager to see Ekin-Su and Davide back in the villa. The reality star hasn’t had the easiest of times since finding fame with early eliminations knocking her confidence and burnout taking its toll.
Love Island fans want Ekin-Su return
When news broke on January 30 about Ekin-Su and Davide’s break-up, fans were less concerned with how the two are coping and more interested in whether they’ll end up back in the Love Island villa.
Following the couple’s split, many people took to X (Twitter) to say they’d love to see them back on the ITV show.
Some shared snaps of some of Ekin-Su’s most memorable moments, while others say a break-up from Ekin and Davide mid-All-Stars-season is “so them.”
Love Island star was ‘burnt out’
Following Ekin’s Love Island win, she spent a brief spell on Dancing on Ice series 15 where she was partnered with professional Brendyn Hatfield.
Her time on Dancing on Ice was cut short when she was eliminated third after John Fashanu and Michelle Heaton.
Speaking in an interview with Spin Genie, Ekin-Su opened up about her experience of “burnout” soon after she left the show.
“I went to the Maldives with Davide and I couldn’t even enjoy the holiday. I was just so stressed and tired.”
She continues: “I had to put my mental health first… When you first come out of the villa, you want to say yes to everything. Now I’ve realised that I need time for me and my personal life.”
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Ekin says she ‘toughened up’
Ekin also explains how she’s toughened up since her earlier years in the reality TV world.
The Traitors US alum reveals her schedule left her “burnt out” from working “seven days a week.”
She said: “I wasn’t long out of the villa and I had all these brand deals… I had no time for me or my relationship. I was overworked and exhausted.”
She continued: “If I hadn’t had so much on during that time, my experience on the show would have been different. I also wouldn’t have let the bad comments get to me. I’m stronger now.
“I was in the habit of Googling myself and I’d let the comments really upset me. Negative comments about my personality or my performance. I can’t believe I cried when I got voted off. I wouldn’t cry now but I was exhausted then…”
