LOVE Island’s Ekin-Su Culculoglu has had the last laugh following her split from Davide Sanclimenti.
The actress and reality star, 29, has beaten her ex-boyfriend, 29, to a place on Celebrity Big Brother, leaving him fuming.
Popular Ekin’s signing for the ITV programme comes hot on the heels of her time on the US version of The Traitors, in which she starred alongside John Bercow and heavyweight boxer Deontay Wilder.
The Sun understands that Davide had been ‘hounding’ ITV for weeks to try and land a meeting with bosses, but was snubbed.
A source told us: “Davide was desperate to do CBB and had been plaguing ITV to get some face time with bosses in a bid to convince them he’d be the perfect fit for the show.
“Unfortunately ITV weren’t interested so didn’t meet him – they always had their sights set on Ekin instead.
When Davide got wind in the press that Ekin had signed up following their split, he was livid.
“He’s always had some insecurities over her being a bigger star after Love Island than him, especially after she went on to land spots on Dancing On Ice and then the The Traitors. His ego has taken a real bruising.”
The Sun has approached Davide for comment.
Over the weekend we looked at the names who are rumoured to have signed for the rebooted reality show.
Among them are Kate Middleton‘s unkle Gary Goldsmith, Louis Walsh, Corrie’s Colson Smith and Fern Britton.
CBB will prove to be just the tonic for Ekin-Su after Davide spent last week partying with women in Dubai.
The Italian stallion was seen shirtless living it up on a boat surrounded by bikini-clad beauties.
He had a sunset sushi dinner with pilates instructor Charlotte Holton and enjoyed cocktails and dancing with Ekin lookalike Paris Jai McDonald.
Paris is the CEO of a chauffeur service and concierge brand as well as working as a ring girl.
A source said: “Davide was not shy about getting cosy with Paris despite just breaking up with Ekin. He has told pals about Paris and seems to have put the split from Ekin behind him.”
Davide and Ekin’s spit came after he was linked to an OnlyFans model.
Ekin said in her breakup statement: “The last 18-months have been a rollercoaster of ups and downs, just like every relationship. Davide and I both wanted to make this work as we cared deeply for each other.
“Unfortunately I have recently made the decision to end our relationship and to go our separate ways..
“Breakups are never easy. For any couple. And we hope that our privacy will be respected. I enjoyed our time together and the memories we made.
“Thank you for your continued support. It’s been so lovely to have you follow our Love Island journeys together since the villa and we hope you’ll continue to follow our careers as we go off in our own directions. Love always, Ekin-Su.”
