After reflecting on her contentious performance on Celebrity Big Brother, Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu has announced ’embracing a new age’.
The Love Island winner, 29, took a temporary hiatus from the spotlight, missing the ITV show’s live final, before returning to Instagram for the first time in two weeks today.
In an emotional statement, Ekin-Su stated that she had ‘lost herself’ and no longer understood who she was outside of relationships and TV programmes, despite having been on a series of reality shows such as The Traitors US and Dancing on Ice.
She said her experience on Celebrity Big Brother has made her contemplate the changes she wants to make in her life, adding that she was ‘so excited’ to begin ‘all the growth and full healing.’
Ekin-Su’s message was accompanied by a series of pictures that showed Ekin-Su relaxing in what appeared to be a wellness resort complete with a pool nestled in the countryside.
‘Just a little message to say hi❤️,’ Ekin-Su began.
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She continued: ‘Thank you once more for all your kindness.
‘Took some time off to reflect, recharge and restore which i’m still very much doing but I’ll need to be back online for work purposes especially.
‘Thanks to the brands who I work with who have respected my boundaries and shown compassion and love during the past year.’
Ekin-Su then said she hadn’t ‘felt myself for a long time’ and realised she had ‘kind of lost myself’.
She added: ‘For a while didn’t know who I was beyond being defined by ex relationships or TV shows, and that needs to change!
‘I am so excited for all the growth and full healing. CBB was the final lightbulb moment to make me realise what needs to be done.
‘Embracing the fresh start to a new month and new era…. Wishing everyone an April full of possibilities. I am so grateful for each one of you ❤️.’
Laura Whitmore, a fellow TV celebrity and former Love Island host, was one of the first to respond, posting a simple black love emoji.
Her other 3.8M followers also posted messages of support including Jim Tominey, who wrote: ‘Think positive ekinsu you have a beautiful heart and at the end of the day life is just about living so live your life the way you want to and don’t let others get you down ❤️.’
Flossy Adams added: ‘We live in a judgemental society, and no one is perfect. I think you have handled yourself with the upmost dignity and respect. Keep being the beautiful person we know you are. Please don’t let the bullies knock your spirit, there are so many people that love you and want the best for you. Keep shining bright. You got this.’
‘Take all the time you need to take care of yourself and you have absolutely nothing to feel sorry for,’ Joanna Morris commented.
On Celebrity Big Brother, Ekin-Su faced criticism for denying she was an OnlyFans model and claimed not to share bikini photographs, which fans quickly exposed.
Despite her frequent mentions of Love Island, she remained unfriendly to her co-stars and alienated her passionate fan base.
Last month, Ekin-Su informed her Instagram followers that she was taking time to’reflect’ after admirers expressed worry over her social media absence.
Part of her lengthy statement said: ‘I know it’s unlike me to hide away, but I’ve been taking some time to reflect.
‘Sometimes in our lowest moments, we learn the most important lessons about ourselves.
‘I hope you don’t think I was selfish for setting boundaries and putting my own needs first last night.
‘I’m fully aware that not everybody will understand my absence, or think it was the right decision to make, but it was the right decision for me.’
Following her eviction, Ekin-Su alleged in her departure interview that the Celebrity Big Brother production staff had given her an unfair edit.
‘I’m just hurt that I wasn’t portrayed as myself on the show,’ Ekin-S told Late and Live hosts AJ Odudu and Will Best.
During the programme, her mother attempted to defend her, but her statements backfired.
Following the broadcast, 139 individuals complained to Ofcom about ‘the treatment of Ekin-Su by the presenters and guest panel’.
Ekin-Su enters the Celebrity Big Brother house just weeks after breaking up with her Love Island partner Davide Sanclimenti for the second time.
Celebrity Big Brother is available to stream on ITVX.
