Backlash is just a part of being in the public eye'
OK! UK|October 14, 2024
Reality star Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu on dealing with haters, taking a break from dating and finding new confidence at 30
KENZI DEVINE
Backlash is just a part of being in the public eye'

For Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu, it’s been a rocky ride on the way to finding self-acceptance. The former Love Island star has four million Instagram followers and a booming reality TV career, but has been working on finding a balance between work and time for herself.

Her recent 30th birthday came at the perfect time to begin a new chapter, with Ekin-Su describing the milestone as a “fresh beginning” as she chats with OK!.

“In the last few months, especially around my birthday, I felt this shift between 29 to 30. You see things differently. It’s true what they say: things can change overnight,” she tells us, glowing with new-found confidence. “I have a lot more boundaries now. I feel like life is so short, the little things don’t really bother me any more.”

Two years ago, Ekin-Su was catapulted into the limelight following a winning stint on Love Island. The London-born star left the ITV2 villa with Italian boyfriend Davide Sanclimenti and a string of exciting opportunities awaiting her.

But as 2024 kicked off, things got tough for Ekin-Su. First, she announced her break-up from Davide. Two months later, she entered the Celebrity Big Brother house, but despite being excited about the experience, Ekin-Su was the fourth person to be evicted, after housemates accused her of being “fake”. Upon leaving, she was greeted with boos from the live audience.

This shook the star and, shortly afterwards, she described herself as “damaged”. So how is she doing now?

“I’m much better than I’ve ever been,” she beams. “It’s crazy how much everything’s changed. That was the past and I don’t regret anything. I just smile at it now. I’m great.

“At the time, you blame yourself for things not going right, and you take accountability – I’ve used that word a lot: accountability – but now I’m kind of at the stage where I’m past everything. Backlash is just a part of being in the public eye.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der October 14, 2024-Ausgabe von OK! UK.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der October 14, 2024-Ausgabe von OK! UK.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

WEITERE ARTIKEL AUS OK! UKAlle anzeigen
A CITY OF TWO HALVES
OK! UK

A CITY OF TWO HALVES

There's a holiday for every budget to be found in Dubai, as OK!'s Faith Richardson discovered

time-read
3 Minuten  |
December 02, 2024
'Christmas is a double whammy'
OK! UK

'Christmas is a double whammy'

Chef James Martin on the pressures of dividing his time between his restaurants and his family over the festivities

time-read
4 Minuten  |
December 02, 2024
LEARN HOW TO PLEASE YOURSELF
OK! UK

LEARN HOW TO PLEASE YOURSELF

The festive season can be an incredibly stressful time, particularly for people-pleasers who struggle to put their own needs first

time-read
3 Minuten  |
December 02, 2024
'There's a bit of faking it until you make it'
OK! UK

'There's a bit of faking it until you make it'

Actor Paul Mescal on entering the Gladiator II arena, building a blockbuster body for his role as fighter Lucius Verus, and heading up an A-list cast of Hollywood's finest stars

time-read
4 Minuten  |
December 02, 2024
THE A-LIST HAIL HOLLYWOOD'S BIG HITTERS
OK! UK

THE A-LIST HAIL HOLLYWOOD'S BIG HITTERS

A line-up of the film world's best-known faces attended this year's Governors Awards to celebrate lifetime achievements

time-read
4 Minuten  |
December 02, 2024
'I think we arrived right on time'
OK! UK

'I think we arrived right on time'

The stars of the long-awaited film Wicked, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, tell us why its themes are so relevant right now and why the musical is so dear to their hearts

time-read
6 Minuten  |
December 02, 2024
'No one knows who I am'
OK! UK

'No one knows who I am'

Having first found fame on social media, GK Barry has become the breakout star of this year's I'm A Celebrity

time-read
5 Minuten  |
December 02, 2024
'I still pinch myself about how we met'
OK! UK

'I still pinch myself about how we met'

Now legally married, MAFS Uk’s Adam and Tayah Aveling are looking forward to Christmas with their daughter and welcoming baby number two in 2025

time-read
7 Minuten  |
December 02, 2024
THE ROYAL WEEK
OK! UK

THE ROYAL WEEK

It was a sad week for Queen Camilla, but a good week for the royal family’s charities with visits to hospitals and homeless centres

time-read
2 Minuten  |
December 02, 2024
WILLIAM AND KATE'S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS
OK! UK

WILLIAM AND KATE'S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS

After a challenging year for the royal family, the Prince and Princess of Wales plan to give their children an unforgettable time filled with fun and festivities

time-read
6 Minuten  |
December 02, 2024