Davide Sanclimenti has dismissed claims that he proposed to his girlfriend Ekin-Su Culculoglu after speculation by fans grew during their recent escape to the Maldives.
The former Love Island winner, 28, admitted it’s still early days as the pair have only known each other for six months – but did reveal he wouldn’t be opposed to getting down on one knee after two years.
In an exclusive interview with MailOnline, he also defended Ekin-Su’s choice to wear a racy body stocking while competing in Dancing On Ice, which sparked 112 Ofcom complaints, for being ‘more naked’ on the ITV2 dating show.
Fresh off a romantic break with his partner, also 28, Davide gushed about how the pair had “such a good time” and felt they could “relax completely” amid their jam-packed schedule.
The boohooMAN ambassador said, “I feel like we were able to relax on our own for the first two weeks. No work, no obligations. Time for me and Ekin, time for good food and sun.
“Let’s be realistic… we’ve known each other for six months!” Davide Sanclimenti has dismissed claims that he proposed to girlfriend Ekin-Su Culculoglu amid fan speculation
“Because after the show there was always someone on my side or Ekin’s side and we never had time to ourselves, you know, quality time.”
During the idyllic journey, the pair sparked engagement rumors as they posed for much-loved snaps in front of a beautiful orange sunset.
Fans quickly took to the comment section to admit that they thought the pair were announcing big news with the very romantic post.
But Davide has thrown cold water at any guesswork, reminding fans that he only met Ekin-Su last summer and they are still learning new things about each other.
He said: “Even if we’re this close, the reality is we’ve only known each other for six months, so it would be nice to see at least a two-year relationship before committing for life.
“This is what I will always make fans happy to understand that even if everything is perfect, it seems like a dream, you have to be realistic.
“And before you get engaged for life, I think it’s wise to wait at least two years, you know, so you can find out more about the other person.”
“We’ve always been honest and sincere with ourselves, so when we came out of Love Island things could go really bad or go really well as it goes.
Loved up: The former Love Island winner, 28, admitted it’s still early days but did reveal he wouldn’t mind getting down on one knee after two years
“We actually realized that we are the same person. You start to like each other more and more. We found sometimes, I tell her, “You are like me if I want to be a woman,” and she told me the same thing. I feel that we have found a soul mate in each other.’
“No, it’s just crazy that we’re honestly the same person. There is nothing different about what we like, about what we want to do, about our opinion of things, how even about everyday life, how we like to enjoy our activities.
“It’s like discovering myself of the opposite sex, you know?”
Earlier this month, a crying Ekin-Su collapsed when she was voted off Dancing On Ice after becoming the third star to be eliminated from the competition.
Davide was full of praise for his girlfriend as he revealed the advice he gave her after she left.
The former director of the hospitality service said: “I watched her from where she started, I sometimes watched some videos of her first day on the ice, and then I watched her arrive.
So I always tell her, “You should be proud of what you did, for where you started when you arrived. This show is not a competition because Dancing On Ice isn’t going to be your career, so it’s just a challenge with yourself. Enjoy of the performance.”
Protective: He also defended Ekin-Su’s choice to wear a racy body stocking on Dancing On Ice which led to 112 Ofcom complaints (pictured last month with Brendyn Hatfield)
“I think she should be proud of herself. Everyone is proud of her, as far as I’m concerned she did a good job. So I’m happy for her for everything she’s done.’
“I feel like I see her even more relaxed now, you know, it’s been too much for her since we got off Love Island. So now, even after the holidays, I see her more relaxed and that’s why I’m happy for her.’
But during her time on the show, Ekin-Su left some viewers hot under the collar when she recreated her famous creep scene from inside the villa.
Even host Holly Willoughby called the routine the show’s “sexiest dance ever.”
But it didn’t go down well with everyone, as the show received 112 Ofcom complaints and the Turkish beauty received the lowest number of public votes.
When asked about the backlash, Davide joked, “If I’m the boyfriend, then the outfit is fine for me.” It’s completely covered. Why people should speak up, you know? She was more naked on Love Island in a bikini!’
“People are more naked there than on Dancing On Ice, so I feel like it shouldn’t have been an important aspect.”
Davide is elsewhere excited to launch his second going-out edit with boohooMAN after a successful first collection last year.
The 10-piece line offers a variety of timeless smart silhouettes and subtle, soft colours. Earth tones mix with relaxed fits, matching sets and lightweight fabrics to create a simplistic range that will suit everyone.
Home away from home, the shoot took place in the heart of Manchester with a touch of inspiration from his Italian roots by embracing a minimalist style and using architecture like props.
Davide said of the continued collaboration: ‘I now feel even closer to the brand because I feel that after the first collection, already successful, now we have created something that has more respect for my style, my way of dressing, my personality…
“Especially what I wear, you know, even in everyday life I buy, I even find a good outfit, you know, if you want a night out when you want to be a little more elegant.
“So I feel like we’ve made something that’s more Davide-style and I’m even more excited the second time around than the first time.”
With price points ranging from £16 – £60, the collection launched exclusively on boohooMAN.com on Monday 20 February.
Trendy: Elsewhere, Davide is excited to launch his second ‘going-out’ edit with boohooMAN after a successful first collection last year
