Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu Explained

Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu
Birth Date:21 August 1994
Birth Place:Islington, London, England
Education:Epping Forest College
Alma Mater:University of Central Lancashire

Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu (pronounced as /tr/; born 21 August 1994) is a British-Turkish television personality, actress and model.

Born in Islington, she competed in various beauty pageants before going on to study performing arts at the University of Central Lancashire. After starring in the Turkish soap opera Kuzey Yıldızı İlk Aşk (2020), she won the eighth series of the ITV2 reality series Love Island (2022), along with Davide Sanclimenti. Following her win, she appeared on Dancing on Ice (2023), where she was paired with Brendyn Hatfield, The Wheel (2023), The Traitors US (2024) and Celebrity Big Brother (2024).

In 2022, she became a brand ambassador to fashion retailer Oh Polly and makeup brand BPerfect Cosmetics.

Early life

Cülcüloğlu was born on 21 August 1994 to Turkish parents in Islington, London.[1] [2] She moved to Loughton, Essex at the age of 10.[3] [4]

Career

In 2011, Cülcüloğlu competed in Miss Asia Pacific World, representing Ireland.[5] She competed in various other beauty pageants before going on to study performing arts at the University of Central Lancashire, graduating in 2015.[6] At the beginning of her career, Cülcüloğlu went by the stage names Susie Hayzel, Su Hayzel and Su Ekin Cülcüloğlu.[5] [7] [8]

In 2020, Cülcüloğlu was cast in the Turkish television series Kuzey Yıldızı İlk Aşk, in which she portrayed Işıl, a photographer from London who saves the life of leading character Kuzey (İsmail Demirci).[9] [10] She also portrayed a serial killer in a Turkish soap opera.[11]

In June 2022, Cülcüloğlu became a contestant on the eighth series of the reality dating show Love Island on ITV2.[12] [13] She entered the villa as a "bombshell" on Day 3 and won the series.[14] [15] Following her victory, she starred in a travel series with fellow winner Davide Sanclimenti on ITV2.[16] Cülcüloğlu was offered the job of hosting Love Island after Laura Whitmore's departure, however she turned down the role and it was instead given to Maya Jama.[17] She was also in talks to become a Loose Women panelist.[18] In September 2022, she signed a deal with fashion retailer Oh Polly to be their brand ambassador, walking for them at New York Fashion Week.[19] [20] She also signed a deal with makeup brand BPerfect Cosmetics to become their brand ambassador.[21] The following month, it was announced that Cülcüloğlu would compete in the fifteenth series of Dancing on Ice in 2023. She was paired with Brendyn Hatfield.[22] She was eliminated in Week 4.[23] Cülcüloğlu was a celebrity expert (beauty) on The Wheel on 7 October 2023.

In 2023, Cülcüloğlu took part in a debate at the University of Oxford, speaking out in favour of the positive impact of influencers in society. She debated against Mark-Francis Vandelli; Lord Parkinson; and Sophia Smith Galer.[24]

In 2024, Cülcüloğlu competed on the second season of the American version of The Traitors on Peacock. She was eliminated in episode 4.[25] [26] In March, she entered the Celebrity Big Brother house, taking part in the twenty-third series, and was the fourth housemate to be evicted.[27] [28] Unlike other evicted housemates, she did not return for the live final.[29]

Cülcüloğlu announced that her first book "Be Your Own Best Friend: And other lessons from a life lived in and out of the limelight" will be published in August 2024.[30]

Cülcüloğlu has appeared on the cover of publications such as Women's Health and Grazia.[31] [32] She has also been on the cover of several newspaper weekend magazines.[33] [34]

Personal life

Cülcüloğlu splits her time between Essex and Istanbul.[35] Her hobbies include ice skating, reading, walking, and going to the gym.[36] [37]

In 2023, relatives of Cülcüloğlu were caught up in the 2023 Turkey–Syria earthquakes. Cülcüloğlu urged members of the public to help relief efforts following the earthquake. She donated money to the British Red Cross and took part in an appeal video for the organisation.[38]

In June 2023, Cülcüloğlu and fellow Love Island winner Davide Sanclimenti split up.[39] They got back together in the same year before breaking up for a second time in January 2024.[40] [41]

Filmography

YearTitleRoleNotes
2020Kuzey Yıldızı İlk AşkIşılRegular role; 7 episodes[42]
2022Love IslandContestant Series 8 winner[43]
2022Ekin-Su & Davide: HomecomingsHerselfMain role; 2 episodes[44]
2023Dancing on IceContestant Series 15, 9th place[45]
2023The WheelCelebrity expert 1 episode [46]
2023Celebrity Antiques Road TripGuest1 episode[47]
2024The Traitors USContestantSeason 2, 17th place[48]
2024The Weakest LinkContestant1 episode[49]
2024Celebrity Big BrotherContestantSeries 23, 9th place[50]
Guest Appearances:

Loose Women, 1 episode (08/08/2022)[51]

The Big Breakfast, 1 episode (13/08/2022)[52]

Lorraine, 1 episode (15/08/2022)[53]

This Morning, 1 episode (05/09/2022)[54]

Good Morning Britain, 3 episodes (25/11/2022, 09/05/2023 & 08/06/2023)[55] [56] [57]

Love Island: Aftersun, 1 episode (Series 9, Episode 7)[58]

Discography

Under the name "Su", Cülcüloğlu was featured on and appeared in the music video for the single "Yeniden Başlasın" by Turkish artist .

!Title!Year!Artists!
"Yeniden Başlasın"2018Seçil Gür feat. Su

Notes and References

  1. Web site: How old is Love Island's Ekin-Su Culculoglu? . . 28 June 2022 . 10 June 2022 . 20 June 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220620010130/https://www.heart.co.uk/showbiz/tv-movies/love-island/how-old-ekin-su-culculoglu/ . live .
  2. Web site: Love Island: Ekin-Su's mum defends her against haters and boasts that she's proud of daughter for 'stealing show' . . 28 June 2022 . 21 June 2022 . 28 June 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220628135225/https://www.mylondon.news/news/tv/love-island-ekin-sus-mum-24285564 . live .
  3. Web site: Love Island star Ekin-Su's acting career, role as serial killer and different names . . 18 July 2022 . 22 July 2022.
  4. Web site: Love Island star Ekin-Su's family win over fans who demand they get their 'own reality show' . . 28 June 2022 . 27 June 2022 . 27 June 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220627235458/https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/reality-tv/a40436968/love-island-ekin-su-family-reality-show/ . live .
  5. Web site: "Ireland – Su Ekin Culculoglu" . 13 February 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130928045855/http://www.missasiapacific.tv/main/0303_detail_eng.html?no=161&year=2011&country=&PHPSESSID=a08978415765312f5b85e5b2482775a7 . 28 September 2013 . dead .
  6. Web site: Video Of Love Island Star Ekin-Su In Student Reality Series 10 Years Ago Resurfaces . . 28 June 2022 . 15 June 2022 . 20 June 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220620171046/https://www.capitalfm.com/news/tv-film/love-island/ekin-su-student-series-before-picture/ . live .
  7. Web site: Su Hayzel . StarNow . 28 June 2022 . 10 June 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220610065727/https://www.starnow.com/u/suculculoglu/ . live .
  8. Web site: Love Island star Ekin-Su unrecognisable in university snap with different name . . 15 June 2022 . 28 June 2022 . 20 June 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220620090437/https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/showbiz-tv/love-island-star-ekin-su-24236893.amp . live .
  9. Web site: Kuzey Yıldızı Işıl kimdir? Gerçek Adı ve Oynadığı diziler . Finansajans . 28 June 2022 . 2 October 2020 . 28 June 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220628135234/https://www.finansajans.com/kuzey-yildizi-isil-kimdir-gercek-adi-ve-oynadigi-diziler-h31467.html . live .
  10. Web site: Love Island's Ekin-Su's appearance as serial killer in Turkish soap opera unearthed . 28 June 2022 . . 10 June 2022 . 10 June 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220610163920/https://www.ok.co.uk/tv/love-islands-ekin-sus-appearance-27200259 . live .
  11. Web site: Watch Love Island's Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu show off acting talents in Turkish soap opera after confirming she played a serial killer . . 28 June 2022 . 10 June 2022 . 16 June 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220616175006/https://metro.co.uk/2022/06/10/love-island-2022-watch-ekin-su-culculoglu-act-in-soap-opera-16804595/ . live .
  12. Web site: All about: Ekin-Su . . 27 June 2022 . 8 June 2022 . 8 June 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220608195810/https://www.itv.com/loveisland/articles/all-about-ekin-su . live .
  13. Web site: Who is Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu? Meet Love Island 2022 contestant and actress . Morris . Lauren . . 27 June 2022 . 8 June 2022 . 18 June 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220618063753/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/entertainment/reality-tv/love-island-2022-contestant-ekin-su-culculoglu/ . live .
  14. Web site: Love Island Introduces First Two Bombshells Ekin-Su And Afia . . 28 June 2022 . 8 June 2022 . 12 June 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220612172145/https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/amp/entry/love-island-announces-first-bombshells-afia-ekin-su_uk_62a05635e4b04a617348224e/ . live .
  15. Web site: Love Island 2022 final LIVE: Ekin-Su and Davide crowned as the season 8 winners. 1 August 2022. Radio Times. 2 August 2022.
  16. News: Wright . Minnie . Love Island winners Ekin-Su and Davide land their own travel series . 13 August 2022 . . 13 August 2022.
  17. Web site: Chilcott . Joely . 2022-10-17 . Ekin-Su Says She Was Offered the "Love Island" Presenter Job but Was "Not Ready For It" . 2024-06-28 . Popsugar UK . en-GB.
  18. Web site: 9 August 2022 . Love Island's Ekin-Su 'in talks' to become Loose Women panellist . 29 June 2024 . HelloRayo.
  19. News: Akinwumi . Stella . Love Island icon Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu finally confirms mega Oh Polly partnership . 1 September 2022 . . 1 September 2022.
  20. Web site: 2022-09-16 . Love Island's Ekin-Su reveals favourite gym gear as she makes her catwalk debut at NYFW . 2024-03-21 . Women's Health . en-GB.
  21. News: Clarke . Sophie . Love Island winner Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu lands another major deal with makeup brand . 28 September 2022 . . 28 September 2022.
  22. News: Love Island winner Ekin-Su signs up for Dancing On Ice . 7 October 2022 . BBC News.
  23. Web site: Fitzpatrick . Katie . 2023-02-05 . Dancing On Ice's "most emotional skate" as Ekin-Su eliminated . 2023-09-11 . Manchester Evening News . en.
  24. https://goss.ie/uk-showbiz/love-islands-ekin-su-culculoglu-takes-part-in-debate-at-oxford-university-357633
  25. Ross . Dalton . The Traitors season 2 cast features reality all-stars and celebrities . 21 September 2023 . . 21 September 2023.
  26. Web site: 2024-01-18 . The Faithful Who Was Poisoned in Plain Sight on The Traitors Shares Reaction to Betrayal . 2024-01-19 . NBC Insider Official Site . en-US.
  27. Web site: Mensah . Katelyn . 4 March 2024 . Who is Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu? Celebrity Big Brother 2024 contestant . 4 March 2024 . .
  28. Web site: 2024-03-15 . Celebrity Big Brother 2024 reveals double eviction result . 2024-03-16 . Digital Spy . en-GB.
  29. Web site: Duke . Simon . 2024-03-22 . Ekin Su's Celebrity Big Brother final absence explained . 2024-03-22 . Chronicle Live . en.
  30. Web site: Be Your Own Best Friend: And other lessons from a life lived in and out of the limelight by Ekin-Su Culculoglu - Books . 2024-06-27 . www.hachette.com.au.
  31. Web site: 2023-03-21 . Ekin-Su on her bumpy journey to body love, forgoing filler + why she's unfazed by new Love Island winners . 2024-03-21 . Women's Health . en-GB.
  32. Web site: Issue Issue 845 - Grazia . 2024-03-21 . www.zinio.com.
  33. Web site: Ekinsu Cülcüloglu - Publicity listings . 2024-03-21 . IMDb . en-US.
  34. Web site: Ekin-Su for Fabulous Magazine . 2024-03-21 . www.instagram.com.
  35. Web site: Inside Love Island's Ekin-Su's Essex and Turkey homes as she shows off lavish lifestyle . 28 June 2022 . 23 June 2022 . 28 June 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220628012932/https://www.ok.co.uk/lifestyle/love-island-ekin-su-home-27307058 . live .
  36. Web site: Love Island winner Ekin-Su addresses Dancing on Ice 'curse' – and reveals Davide's reaction . 13 October 2022 .
  37. Web site: 2023-10-29 . Ekin-Su talks daily wellness habits, wise advice and her £16 secret for looking radiant on TV . 2024-03-21 . Heatworld . en.
  38. Web site: Ex-Love Island winner calls for help with Turkey quake relief efforts . 8 February 2023 .
  39. Web site: 2023-06-30 . Love Island winners Ekin-Su and Davide have split . 2024-03-21 . The Independent . en.
  40. Web site: 2023-08-29 . Love Island's Ekin-Su And Davide Confirm Reunion With Loved Up Holiday Snaps . 2024-03-21 . HuffPost UK . en.
  41. Web site: Anderson . Alana . 2024-01-30 . Love Island's Ekin-Su's statement in full as she confirms split from Davide . 2024-03-21 . OK! Magazine . en.
  42. Web site: 8 June 2022 . Love Island's Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu: Get To Know The Actress-Turned-Bombshell . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220609084153/https://www.capitalfm.com/news/tv-film/love-island/ekin-su-culculoglu-actress-instagram-age/ . 9 June 2022 . 28 June 2022 . Capital FM.
  43. Web site: 27 June 2022 . Who is Ekin-Su Cülcüloglu? Love Island 2022 bombshell and actress . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220623095348/https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/who-ekinsu-culculoglu-love-island-2022-actress-b1005200.html . 23 June 2022 . 28 June 2022 . Evening Standard.
  44. Web site: 28 November 2022 . Ekin-Su & Davide: Homecomings . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20221128222724/https://www.itv.com/watch/ekin-su-and-davide-homecomings/10a3337 . 28 November 2022 . 28 November 2022 . ITVX.
  45. Web site: Warner . Sam . 5 October 2022 . Dancing on Ice announces Love Island star as third contestant for 2023 . 7 October 2022 . . Hearst Communications.
  46. Web site: BBC One - Michael McIntyre's The Wheel, Series 4, Episode 3 . 2023-10-11 . BBC . en-GB.
  47. Web site: Castle . Liane . 1 November 2023 . Love Island star Ekin-Su tours Kent in Celebrity Antiques Road Trip . 1 November 2023 . .
  48. News: Campione . Katie . 'The Traitors' Season 2 Cast Revealed To Include Peter Weber, Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu, Larsa Pippen & More Reality All-Stars . 21 September 2023 . . 21 September 2023.
  49. Web site: Hibbs . James . 13 November 2023 . Weakest Link confirms celebrity line-up . 13 November 2023 . .
  50. Web site: Mensah . Katelyn . 4 March 2024 . Who is Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu? Celebrity Big Brother 2024 contestant . 4 March 2024 . .
  51. Exclusive: Love Island Winners Ekin-Su And Davide Share All On Life After The Show Loose Women . 2022-08-08 . Loose Women . 2024-06-28 . YouTube.
  52. Web site: Novak . Kim . 2022-08-09 . Love Island's Ekin-Su and Davide among first Big Breakfast guests . 2024-06-28 . Metro . en.
  53. Love Island's Ekin-Su Reveals Exclusive Life Update with Davide & About Their New ITV2 Show LK . 2022-08-15 . Lorraine . 2024-06-28 . YouTube.
  54. Love Island's Davide Addresses 'Cheating' Rumours As Ekin-Su Claims She 'Knows The Truth' TM . 2022-09-05 . This Morning . 2024-06-28 . YouTube.
  55. Ekin-Su And Davide Talk Romance, Tiffs & New Show 'Homecomings' Good Morning Britain . 2022-11-25 . Good Morning Britain . 2024-06-28 . YouTube.
  56. Ekin-Su Returns From Heartbreaking Earthquake Visit Good Morning Britain . 2023-05-09 . Good Morning Britain . 2024-06-28 . YouTube.
  57. Ekin-Su: Turkey Rebuilds Good Morning Britain . 2023-06-08 . Good Morning Britain . 2024-06-28 . YouTube.
  58. Web site: 5 March 2023 . Love Island: Aftersun, Series 9, Episode 7 . 29 June 2024 . ITVX.