Former Love Island champion Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu has disclosed that she was pipped to a coveted role in the hit HBO series The White Lotus by an established actress. The 31-year-old reality star, who shot to fame after winning the 2022 series with ex Davide Sanclimenti, is now determined to pivot her career towards acting.
The Audition That Got Away
During a candid Instagram Q&A with fans, Ekin-Su revealed she auditioned for the part of Chelsea in The White Lotus back in 2023. The role ultimately went to British A-list actress Aimee Lou Wood, also 31, who appeared in the show's second season. Reflecting on the experience, Ekin-Su was philosophical, stating: 'It wasn't my strongest work or even the right time so it didn't go through for a reason.'
This revelation comes as part of her broader mission to step away from the reality TV sphere that made her a household name. 'I know many people discovered and supported me through reality TV but that was a temporary direction I took after Love Island,' she explained. 'Acting has always been the bigger picture for me.' Prior to her Love Island stint, Ekin-Su had acting credits in Turkish television in 2019.
Future Plans: Hollywood and Selective Reality
Ekin-Su is now firmly focused on securing scripted roles. She told followers she is 'stepping back into acting and focusing more on passion projects,' with her team laying groundwork for the new year. She teased an upcoming project that is 'different to anything I've done', while also planning a month-long trip to America to pursue her Hollywood dreams.
However, she hasn't completely closed the door on reality television. The star admitted she would consider appearing on I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! if the timing was right. 'There are still certain reality appearances I'd consider,' she said, highlighting the jungle show as a possibility.
Overcoming a Difficult Year
The announcement follows a challenging period for Ekin-Su after her controversial appearance on Celebrity Big Brother in March 2024. She described hitting 'rock bottom' following her eviction, after facing accusations of being inauthentic from housemates. The backlash was severe, leading to death threats and a significant toll on her mental health, for which she sought therapy.
Most recently, she featured in the Netflix reality competition Inside: USA in September 2024, sharing a house with American influencers and celebrities. Despite this, her message is clear: her future lies in acting. As she told The Sun, 'I'm not against reality, it's where I came from, but I think it's good to go back to my roots now with more scripted stuff.'
