Ekin-Su Culculoglu says she's 'learned her lesson' as she admits to 'mistakes'

Ekin-Su Culculoglu has been on a journey to self-acceptance and, as she tells us, it's been a rollercoaster - but she's finally reached a place where she's happy

Ekin-Su Culculoglu found fame and stardom as one of the more memorable Love Island contestants in recent years. Now the newly single star is striving to strike a stronger balance between her professional and personal lives - saying she is growing more "picky" following the mixed success of her stints on other reality TV hits such as Celebrity Big Brother, Dancing On Ice and The Traitors US.

Just two years ago Ekin-Su was thrust into the spotlight as the London-born celeb exited the ITV2 villa victorious with Italian beau, Davide Sanclimenti, and a slew of thrilling prospects ahead of her. However, as 2024 rolled in, Ekin-Su faced challenges. Firstly, she announced her split from Davide. A couple of months later, she joined the Celebrity Big Brother house. Despite her initial enthusiasm about the experience, Ekin-Su was the fourth contestant to be evicted, following accusations from fellow housemates of being "fake".

Upon her exit, she was even met with jeers from the live audience. Newly cautious about her next television venture, Ekin muses when asked if she'd do another: "It depends. I'm picky now. I wouldn't just do anything. I've done a lot in the past but I wouldn't just jump onto the next thing because of the paycheck I think I've learned my lesson." When quizzed about potentially starring in another dating show, Ekin-Su firmly dismisses the idea, revealing that she's not currently looking for love, and admitting to one "mistake". "No, no, no," she says in a chat with OK!, explaining that she "isn't dating" right now. "I've come out of a relationship, and the one mistake I have made in my life is jumping from one relationship to another, and not giving myself time to grow. I think it's only fair now that I spend time on myself."

The TV sensation admitted to feeling "damaged" after her CBB stint, but she has since turned things around spectacularly. "I'm much better than I've ever been," she enthuses. "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."

Reflecting on her experiences, she continues, "Not everyone's going to like what you do," "But you learn from your mistakes, and you just keep going. "No one's perfect, we all make mistakes. It's about learning from them and taking it as a learning curve and no longer living in the past. It's not the end of the world." And the post-30 bliss seems real for Ekin-Su, as she reveals a newfound zest: "I love it, I feel like I'm 20 again I don't know what's going on! " "It's a new era and it feels amazing."

To Ekin-Su, who recently bought her own home in another huge move, self-love is key to a successful romance. "You have to love yourself before you can love someone else. It's all a puzzle you have to fix yourself to be in a better mindset to find the right guy. Right now, I want to educate myself more, do better in my career and make the right decisions, and that takes a lot of energy. I can't do a boyfriend and that at the same time! ".

Her recent 30th birthday marked the perfect moment to embark on a new phase, with Ekin-Su referring to the landmark as a "fresh beginning" "In the last few months, especially around my birthday, I felt this shift from 29 to 30. You see things differently. It's true what they say: things can change overnight," she shares, radiating newfound 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."

The publication of Ekin-Su's debut book, Be Your Own Best Friend, marks a milestone in her self-love journey, an achievement she cherishes given her challenging younger years. Reflecting on her difficult past she shares, "When I was at school, I wasn't liked, I was bullied," "I was very scared about the world. But these days, it doesn't really bother me."

As Ekin-Su delves into the details of her book, she reflects on the process: "Yeah, that book was written when I was going through ups and downs, and at the time, it was so real," she confesses. "Now, when I look at it, it does bring back memories. But then, it's also a healing thing, and it's a form of closure for me. It's like a diary, isn't it? And then you close the chapter, take a deep breath and move on. Little Ekin would be very proud! ".

Currently, her focus is on her professional ambitions, including a potential career in the US. In the meantime, she is dedicated to her role as brand ambassador for BPerfect, a cosmetics company she partnered with after her time on Love Island. "BPerfect are family to me and I don't see it as work, I see it as something I'm passionate about," she says of the collaboration. And her connection to the brand is genuine, having used their products prior to her reality TV appearance.

"I was using their products before I went on Love Island, so it felt authentic to become an ambassador for something I'd already been using and loving." BPerfect and Ekin-Su have recently launched a new collection, which she is clearly proud of. "We've got lip liners and lipsticks and four new shades of blush my favourite is Checkmate. It's made for all different skin tones, and suits all ethnic backgrounds."As she traverses from publishing deals to beauty collaborations, following her whirlwind saga on reality TV, it seems Ekin-Su has emerged more self-assured than before. Reflecting on the past few years, she's got a message for the sceptics: "All I can say is, I'm sorry they didn't understand me," she states with conviction. "I'm sorry they probably didn't get me or are still trying to figure me out. "I am who I am, I'm not perfect and I have ups and downs. It's OK for people to sometimes like me and sometimes not like me. All I can do is just focus on myself and block out the negativity. ".