It was the enemies to lovers romance we had all hoped for from the Love Island 2022 villa, but after some major highs and some serious lows, the love affair between Love Island 2022 winners Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu and Davide Sanclimenti came to a bitter end.
As Ekin-Su makes a surprise appearance as the first bombshell of Love Island: All Stars 2025 we take a look back at her tumultuous relationship with Davide and deep dive into where it all went wrong for the Italian Stallion and the Turkish Delight.
June 2022
Davide enters the Love Island villa on day one and 'steals' Gemma Owen from Liam Llewellyn, but it's a short-lived dalliance as on day three Ekin-Su strolls in.
Although Ekin-Su (and Afia Tonkmor who she entered the villa with) went on a date with Liam, as he was the only single chap, when the next recoupling comes around Davide picks Ekin-Su to match with.
Admittedly, it was Luca Bish who forced Davide's hand as he picks Gemma who Davide was contemplating choosing, but STILL, the love affair between Ekin-Su and Davide begins.
Just a few days later, Scottish hottie Jay Younger arrives and turns the head of pretty much every Love Island girlie, including Ekin-Su.
Cue that iconic scene that sees Ekin-Su crawl across the terrace to enjoy a secret snog with Jay behind Davide's back.
Unsurprisingly, when the tea is eventually spilled, Davide is fuming that Ekin-Su had been having secret a rendezvous with the Scotsman and all hell broke loose.
'The fakest person I ever met, they're going to give you an OSCAR,' Davide roars before turning to Jay and muttering, 'good luck.'
As the drama ensues, Davide unknowingly declares one of the most iconic lines in Love Island history.
'You're a liar, an actress, go the f**k out,' he rages, before stomping off, leaving Ekin-Su confused that he now 'cared'.
July 2022
As their Love Island journey continues, Davide shares a kiss with Danica Taylor and couples up with Antigoni Buxton with Ekin-Su finding herself with Charlie Radnedge.
However, during the heart rate challenge, Ekin-Su shocks everyone when she kisses Davide and reignites the romance.
At the next fire pit meeting, Ekin-Su chooses to couple up with Davide in the hopes of rekindling their romance. Clearly it works as= soon after that they go on their first date (to a vineyard); all seems to be going well until Casa Amor hits. Of course.
Davide ends up kissing both Coco Lodge and Mollie Salmon during his time away from Ekin-Su with fans fearing he will couple up with Mollie and leave Ekin-Su single.
However, when push comes to shove, both remained, ahem, 'loyal' and decide to stick with each other.
The couple's next test comes when Love Island 2018 contestant Adam Collard becomes the first Islander to appear on the dating show twice.
Davide confesses to not fully trusting Ekin and after yet ANOTHER heated debate, the Italian adds to his collection of unforgettable one liners when he describes Ekin as, 'fake like the Louis Vuitton from China.'
Somehow, they make up and despite Nathalia Campos coming in with hopes of wooing Davide, his head isn't turned and it is relatively clean sailing from here on out.
The couple end up winning their season of the dating show with 63 percent of the vote, beating Luca and Gemma who are declared runner-ups.
August 2022
Ekin and Davide return to the UK all smiles, ready to make a go of their relationship in the big, wide world.
With plans to move in together, the duo are all over each other's social media stories with Davide pulling out all the stops for Ekin's birthday.
September 2022
A month later Davide is snapped spending some time with two ladies who aren't Ekin-Su forcing her to deny claims that he cheated.
Despite rumours of his infidelity, the couple continue to attend countless red carpet events and parties together - obviously looking hot AF doing so.
October 2022
ITV announces that Ekin and Davide have landed their very own TV show called Ekin-Su & Davide: Homecomings, which will see them visit their home countries of Italy and Turkey. Not only that, but after a cutesy dinner, Davide asks Ekin to move in with him.
November 2022
After a loved up trip to Dubai and attending the TV Choice Awards together, Ekin-Su & Davide: Homecomings airs to mixed reviews.
December 2022
During the festive season, Ekin-Su takes to Instagram to show off her 'promise ring' from Davide which just so happens to be Cartier. So cheap and cheerful, ya know?
April 2023
Months pass and fans start growing concerned that Ekin-Su and Davide have broken up after their social media interaction was little to none, however, Ekin shot down the speculation and posts a selfie of them together on her story.
June 2023
Just two months later, Davide shares a statement on his Instagram story claiming that him and Ekin-Su are no more.
It reads, 'I am grateful for the memories and opportunities we shared together and I wish her nothing but the best. I would like for everybody to respect this decision during this difficult time.'
July 2023
A month later, Ekin breaks her silence on the split as shares a message to her Instagram followers.
It reads, 'Hi everyone, I thought it was time to come back online to thank you so much for all of your messages over the past 2 weeks. It has shown me what a kind, supportive, strong community I have behind me I took some much needed time away with my family which has been really special but now it's time to realign & get back to work. I have such an exciting year ahead & I want to fully focus on that. I really appreciate your ongoing support. Thank you for cheering me on Ekin x'
August 2023
Although they are no longer an item, Ekin-Su and Davide spend time together for her birthday and even went on holiday to Turkey.
September 2023
Yet more confusion as the exes attend the NTA's together sparking rumours of a reunion.
December 2023
They all but confirm they are back together after spending Christmas as an item and posting several lovey-dovey pics on social media as well as attending events as a couple.
January 2024
Davide chats to heatworld about his future plans as well as his romance with Ekin-Su, however, just a few days later, Ekin posts on Instagram that her and Davide have split for a second and final time.
September 2024
All is relatively quiet in the world of Ekin Su and Davide with them both leading completely different lives; that was until Ekin was a guest on Abbey Clancy's Exhibit A podcast and their feud is reawakened.
The actress turned reality TV star speaks openly about her turbulent time with Davide and claims that not only did she end the relationship because he was rude to her mum but that he 'faked a proposal.' Savage.
Naturally, Davide denies the accusations he 'used her fame' and told the Mail Online, 'All I wanted was to be left alone so we could all move on peacefully. However, my ex has repeatedly dragged my name and reputation through the mud to make herself look better and boost her own popularity.'
Safe to say after all of THAT, the duo are no longer on speaking terms, let alone a couple.
January 2025
Fast forward a few months and the world of social media goes into meltdown as Ekin Su is announced as the first bombshell of Love Island: All Stars.
You honestly couldn't write this.
I mean, I know we're writing this right now, but it does feel rather fever dream-esque.
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Emily Vierke is a digital writer who has dabbled in the world of celeb, beauty and fashion. She enjoys stalking the Love Island girlies for outfit inspo nearly as much as she enjoys watching Jay Younger’s work out vids.