Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu has become the first contestant to sign up for Love Island: All Stars, MailOnline can reveal.
The former Love Island winner, 30, who scooped the £50,000 cash prize with ex-boyfriend Davide Sanclimenti in 2022, will make a triumphant return to the series in January as she hopes to finally find a long-term partner.
She won over ITV2 viewers during her first appearance on the show, where she and Davide, who accused Ekin of being a “liar” and an “actress”, became known for their tempestuous romance.
Following their bitter breakup earlier this year, Ekin starred on Celebrity Big Brother but was branded a “fake” by her housemates, with the reality star avoiding the show’s final after an “awkward reaction”.
Ekin later admitted to being in “survival mode” and said she was carrying a lot of “baggage” due to her split from Davide, who was accused of being unfaithful during their relationship on multiple occasions.
But now, by returning to the show that made her famous, Ekin hopes to be herself again and finally find the right man to settle down with.
Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu has become the first contestant to sign up for Love Island: All Stars, MailOnline can reveal
The former Love Island winner, who scooped the £50,000 cash prize with ex-boyfriend Davide Sanclimenti in 2022, will make a triumphant return to the series in January.
She won over ITV2 viewers during her first appearance on the show where she and Davide, who accused Ekin of being a “liar” and an “actress”, became known for their romance.
A TV source told MailOnline: ‘Ekin-Su has been the number one priority for casting producers, they know fans would love to see her return to the villa.
‘She was so iconic during her first appearance on the show and now she’s single again at the perfect time.
“The deal is in principle closed, there are still some details to be worked out, but there is great hope that he will finally agree to have a second chance to find lasting love in front of the nation.”
“Ekin is also 30 now, she really wants to meet someone genuine she can settle down with and after seeing what happened with last year’s All Stars winners, she’s crossing her fingers she can be next.”
Molly Smith and her boyfriend Tom Clare became the first Love Island: All Star champions after falling in love in South Africa.
The show, presented by Maya Jama, returns to screens in January with a line-up of former Islanders including the likes of Gemma Owen, who is already rumored to be taking part.
And bosses hope the show will be as successful as last year’s debut after Love Island was broadcast 640 million times following the launch of ITVX two years ago.
Ekin’s career has gone from strength to strength since finding fame in the series with the star cast in Dancing On Ice, The Traitors US and Celebrity Big Brother.
MailOnline has contacted ITV and Ekin’s spokesperson for comment.
The show, presented by Maya Jama, returns to screens in January with a line-up of ex-Islanders including the likes of Gemma Owen, who is already rumored to be taking part.
Since her split from Davide, Ekin has been linked to TOWIE star James Argent and Married At First Sight contestant Georges Berthonneau.
Ekin’s career has gone from strength to strength since finding fame in the series with the star cast in Dancing On Ice, The Traitors US and Celebrity Big Brother.
Viewers had high hopes for Ekin and Davide, who bonded in the villa over their passion for food and fitness, after winning the show in 2022.
His reputation was tarnished after his appearance on Celebrity Big Brother when he clashed with West End star Layton Williams on spin-off show Late & Live and blamed the show’s editing for his “unfair” portrayal.
Since her split from Davide, Ekin has been linked to TOWIE star James Argent and Married At First Sight contestant Georges Berthonneau.
Despite reports, Ekin has attempted to keep her romantic life private, denying her relationship with anyone long-term.
Speaking to MailOnline last month, she said: “I’m 100 per cent single and I love life… I’m thirty, flirty and prosperous.”
‘I can see who I want. I can date whoever I want and it’s my private life, thank you very much.’