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.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
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.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
'You have to stay organised or it all falls to pot'
Actress, author and mum-of-three Giovanna Fletcher opens up to OK! about her favourite footwear, plans for her family's Halloween costumes, and the secret to avoiding chaos at home
'With a baby, dog, tortoise and bearded dragon, our home is pretty full'
The Yorkshire Vet's Matt Jackson-Smith chats family life, feeling the pressure and setting his sights on Strictly
We've really enjoyed our last year together let's see what happens!'
Radio presenter Kirsty Gallacher talks love, family and fitness - and urges everyone to get on track to a live sporting event
'I don't ever want to be "couple goals"
Model, broadcaster and mum Vogue Williams tells OK! about her busy family life with husband Spencer Matthews and her exciting new podcast
'I always want to do it well, whatever I do'
Strictly judge Anton Du Beke on the importance of reputation, his friendship with Giovanni Pernice and why he might write a memoir next
'We've got such a wonderful, balanced, supportive relationship'
Happily engaged Jodie Kidd chats to OK! about her dream fiancé, busy family life and juggling her businesses
Backlash is just a part of being in the public eye'
Reality star Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu on dealing with haters, taking a break from dating and finding new confidence at 30
BABY JOY FOR BEATRICE
During a tough year for the royals, news of another baby for Princess Beatrice brings delight and fresh hope to the York family
KATE'S TOUCHING MOMENT
In a rare public appearance since completing her chemotherapy treatment, the Princess of Wales embraced teen cancer sufferer Liz Hatton at Windsor Castle
In the midst of filming, I realised I was falling for him'
Former Coronation Street star Helen Flanagan introduces us to the 'secret' boyfriend she had while on Celebs Go Dating, Robbie Talbot
