Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu has announced she is 'embracing a new era' after reflecting on her controversial appearance on Celebrity Big Brother.
The Love Island winner, 29, had taken a short break from the spotlight including skipping the ITV show’s live final before returning to Instagram for the first time in two weeks today.
In a sincere post, Ekin-Su admitted she felt she had 'lost herself' and no longer knew who she was outside of relationships and TV shows, having appeared on a slew of reality programming including The Traitors US and Dancing On Ice.
She said her experience on Celebrity Big Brother has made her think about 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 looked like a wellness resort complete with a pool nestled in the countryside.
'Just a little message to say hi❤️,' Ekin-Su began.
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 realized 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 realize 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 ❤️.'
Fellow TV star and former Love Island host Laura Whitmore was among the first to comment, sharing a simple black heart 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 judgmental 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.'
Joanna Morris commented that there's no need to rush and take care of yourself without feeling sorry.
On Celebrity Big Brother, Ekin-Su faced criticism after being outraged at accused of being an OnlyFans model and denying posting any bikini pictures, which fans quickly exposed her for.
Despite repeatedly mentioning the reality show where she gained fame, she avoided talking about Love Island and acted strangely hostile towards her co-stars, ultimately alienating her loyal fans, Ekin-Su had turned her devoted supporters away.
Last month, Ekin-Su informed her Instagram followers that she had been taking time to 'reflect' as fans were worried about her absence from social media.
Part of her long statement read: 'I know it's unusual for me to withdraw, 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 during her exit interview that she was unfairly portrayed by the Celebrity Big Brother production team.
‘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 segment, her mum also attempted to defend her, but the comments ended up causing a major backlash.
It later emerged that 139 people complained to Ofcom after the episode, criticizing ‘the treatment of Ekin-Su by the presenters and guest panel’.
Ekin-Su joined the Celebrity Big Brother house just weeks after breaking up with her Love Island boyfriend Davide Sanclimenti for the second time.
Celebrity Big Brother is available to stream on ITVX.
