They have been plagued by rumours that their relationship is fake.
However, in a new interview, former Love Island star Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu, 30, has insisted that her relationship with Curtis Pritchard, 29, is very much real and that they are taking the next step – meeting the parents.
Laughing off recent allegations that they’re only in a relationship for the publicity, Ekin told The Sun: ‘I’ve got respect for anyone’s opinions.’
She added: ‘I think everyone is entitled to think something and I can understand why they think that, because on the show we are theatrical people and when we come together, it is like a performance.
‘But it’s not a showmance, it’s real. It just feels right. It feels healthy and I am myself.’
Ekin-Su also shared that she feels happier than ever and can be herself around Curtis without feeling like she’s ‘walking on eggshells.’
Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu and Curtis Pritchard have been plagued by rumours that their relationship is fake (pictured together last month)
However, in a new interview, former Love Island star Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu, 30, has insisted that her relationship with Curtis Pritchard , 29, is very much real
Curtis first appeared on Love Island in 2019, in series five. When he returned for the All Stars version in South Africa earlier this year, he and Ekin-Su had immediate chemistry.
Now, two months later, a glowing Ekin-Su says that away from the cameras, their love has only grown stronger.
So much so that professional dancer Curtis, from Stoke, is planning to introduce her to his parents.
Ekin-Su mentioned that she’s excited to meet Curtis’s mum, Debbie, as she ‘sounds amazing.’
The reality TV star also hinted that marriage could be on the cards for the couple – but only if she isn’t the one having to propose.
Elsewhere in the interview, Ekin-Su discussed some of her X-rated moves on Love Island and what her parents thought.
She revealed that her parents just ‘laughed it off,’ as it’s ‘just a TV show,’ and she’s an adult having ‘a bit of fun.’
Ekin-Su and Curtis have been going from strength to strength. However, for now, they are happy to take things slowly and have agreed not to rush into living together.
Laughing off recent allegations that they’re only in a relationship for the publicity, Ekin told The Sun: ‘It’s not a showmance, it’s real. It just feels right. It feels healthy and I am myself’
She added: ‘I think everyone is entitled to think something and I can understand why they think that, because on the show we are theatrical people and it is like a performance’
Ekin-Su also shared that she feels happier than ever and can be herself around Curtis without feeling like she’s ‘walking on eggshells’
Ekin-Su currently resides in Essex, while Curtis lives in London. However, the star claimed, ‘Never say never’ to moving in together.
Ahead of presenting the Smiley Charity Film Awards in London, Ekin-Su said she feels it’s ‘a bit too soon’ to move in with each other, adding that she’s learned to take things slower from her past relationships.
She also revealed she’s currently looking for a house in London so she can be closer to Curtis, as the pair see each other ‘pretty much every day’.
Before falling for each other, the pair had each endured their fair share of heartache.
In January 2024, Ekin-Su split from Davide Sanclimenti, 30, after 18 months together. Curtis, in 2020, broke up with his co-star Maura Higgins, 34, after cheating allegations — claims he has denied.
But far from being jealous of Curtis’s ex, Ekin-Su has revealed that she and Maura are friends and even live in the same building.
Ekin-Su joked that they ‘shared the same guy under the same roof almost,’ adding, ‘It’s not awkward,’ and that Maura is ‘lovely’ and ‘chilled about the situation.’
While Ekin-Su is clearly loving life right now, her ex Davide’s life spiralled earlier this year when it was revealed his new girlfriend, Iris Au, is facing up to three years in prison over a £2 million tax row.
Before falling for each other, the pair had each endured their fair share of heartache
In January 2024, Ekin-Su split from Davide Sanclimenti, 30, after 18 months together (pictured together 2023)
She pleaded guilty to a tax charge after failing to report illicit money obtained via an ex-boyfriend’s criminal cryptocurrency activities. Davide has vowed to stand by her.
Despite falling for each other on the reality dating show, Ekin-Su’s romance with Curtis had a bumpy start.
Viewers watched as Ekin-Su broke down in Ronnie Vint’s arms when Curtis was filmed flirting with model Danielle Sellers.
There were also fireworks when Ekin-Su gave co-star Elma Pazar’s man Sammy Root a kiss on the lips while performing a sexy dance for the boys at the fire pit during the Heart Rate challenge.
However, Ekin-Su has claimed there is ‘no bad blood’ between her and Elma and confessed she hasn’t really seen any of her co-stars since leaving the villa.
After winning the show in 2022, Ekin-Su went on to compete in Dancing On Ice and The Wheel the following year and appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in 2024.
After being evicted from the CBB house, Ekin-Su was once again accused of being fake and left to jeers and boos. She was so upset by the reaction that she failed to attend the finale.
Meanwhile, Curtis, in 2020, broke up with his co-star Maura Higgins, 34, after cheating allegations — claims he has denied (both pictured 2019)
Reflecting on the experience now, Ekin-Su said she was feeling ‘vulnerable’ at the time due to her split, and if she could give any of the contestants advice, it would be to not go on the show ‘heartbroken.’
It’s clear today that she has put that difficult period behind her and is focused on Curtis and their future together.
After appearing alongside The Real Housewives of Atlanta star Phaedra Parks in The Traitors US last year, rumours have circulated that she might be one of the Real Housewives of London when it debuts on Hayu later this year.
However, she claimed the show clashes with some of her other projects.
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