"Second chance" Love Island: All Stars' Ekin-Su's take on returning to the show

In a surprising twist that has Love Island fans buzzing, Season 8 winner Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu has made her grand return to the villa for Love Island: All Stars Season 2.

The Turkish-British TV personality, who captured hearts during her winning run in 2022, is ready to write a new chapter in the South African villa on Love Island: All Stars alongside fellow alumni Kaz Crossley, Curtis Pritchard, and Marcel Somerville, with Maya Jama returning as host.

Asked about her decision to return, Ekin-Su was characteristically candid:

"The fact that there's an opportunity to do it again – why not! Why can't a winner go back in and re-write her story and have a second chance?!"

It's a bold move for the former winner, whose previous villa journey led to a whirlwind romance with Davide Sanclimenti, multiple TV projects, and a rollercoaster relationship that ended in January 2024.

In her pre-show interview with ITV, Ekin-Su reflected on her connection to the villa. She said:

"It's somewhere I've laughed, cried, and learned so much."

This time around, she's bringing a wealth of reality TV experience, including stints on Dancing on Ice, The Traitors US, and Celebrity Big Brother.

Who is Love Island: All Stars’ Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu?

The Ekin-Su who entered the villa in 2024 isn't quite the same firecracker as the one stormed the show in 2022.

She admitted in her ITV interview:

"I'm more mature now and I've learned some lessons along the way – I might not react the same way as I did a few years ago, or I might do! We'll never know until I'm there."

This self-awareness hints at potential growth, though she's keeping the door open for the signature drama that made her a fan favorite.

Ekin-Su's career has taken off since her original Love Island success. The 29-year-old Islington native, who previously appeared in Turkish television shows including Kuzey Yıldızı İlk Aşk, has evolved into a multidimensional entertainment personality.

Her post-Love Island career includes successful brand collaborations with Oh Polly and BPerfect Cosmetics, magazine covers for Women's Health and Grazia, and a position as a British Red Cross ambassador following the 2023 Turkey-Syria earthquake.

Behind Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu’s comeback

The timing of Ekin-Su's comeback to Love Island: All Stars has been a subject of curiosity for many fans, coming far too soon after her breakup with Davide Sanclimenti. Their love, which brought about the travel program Ekin-Su and Davide: Homecomings, saw a brief separation in 2023 before concluding in early 2024. Her return to the villa represents not just a second shot at love, but possibly a new beginning for her.

For those who really want to follow Ekin-Su's journey in the new villa, Love Island: All Stars Season 2 broadcasts every night on ITV2 and ITVX, with special never-before-seen footage airing on Saturdays. Will this seasoned reality star find what she's looking for the second time around? Only time – and plenty of dramatic recouplings – will tell.