The Rise of Love Island Star and Model Ekin-Su

Known for winning Love Island 2022, British-Turkish actress, TV personality and model Ekin-Su has always known that the screen is where she belongs. Her career began with her participation in various beauty pageants and then evolved into her appearances in reality TV shows such as Dancing On Ice, The Wheel, The Traitors US and Celebrity Big Brother and her role as Isil in the Turkish series ‘‘Kuzey Yildizi: Ilk Ask.’’ Now, Ekin-Su is proving to be a versatile figure in the entertainment world, taking third place in Love Island: All-Stars, walking in the Helen Anthony show at London Fashion Week and releasing her book Be Your Own Best Friend: And Other Lessons from a Life in and Out of the Spotlight. 

Ahead, Fizzy Mag talks to the multi-talented TV personality about everything from her acting career and her venture into writing to her top tips for navigating the ups and downs of the entertainment industry.

Ekin-Su, you’ve had a significant journey in the entertainment world. How have your experiences shaped you?

It’s been a rollercoaster, babe! Every twist, every headline, every win and heartbreak—it's all shaped who I am today. I’ve learned to keep my head high, stay grounded, and always trust my gut. I’m stronger, wiser, and definitely not the same girl who started out.

How did you navigate the pressure and expectations that came with it?

Honestly, you’ve got to block out the noise. People will always have opinions, but I had to learn that not everyone’s voice deserves a seat at my table. I stay focused, remind myself of my worth, and surround myself with people who truly get me. At the end of the day, the only opinion that mattress is that of the ones you love and your own.

You’ve taken on both acting and reality TV roles. How do you approach these two different types of work, and which one do you find most challenging?

Acting is where I get to lose myself in a character, it's like therapy for me. Reality TV? That’s you, raw and real, under a magnifying glass. It’s scary but freeing at the same time. The hardest? Reality, 100%. There’s nowhere to hide. But I’ve always been brave like that.

Can you tell us what first sparked your interest in acting and how you got started in the industry?

I’ve always been a performer. I was the kid putting on shows in the living room. I studied it and trained hard. I knew from a young age that acting was a passion of mine and I love to bring someone’s written word to life, it really expands your view of the world. It’s made me rich in experiences that I can only dream of and introduced me to some really incredible, creative people that have shaped who I am today.

Looking ahead, are there any specific types of roles or genres that you’re particularly excited to explore in your career?

I’d love to play a femme fatale or dive into something dark and dramatic...maybe even a spy! I want roles that challenge me, surprise people, and show a whole new side of Ekin-Su. I’m very interested in the crime and mystery genres and would love to dabble into those as well.

Reality TV has opened doors for many actors and personalities, and you’ve been part of this world. How has being on reality TV shaped your career, and what did you learn from that experience?

 It gave me a platform, but it also taught me to have thick skin. Reality TV pushed me out of my comfort zone and into the spotlight. It taught me to stop playing small and start owning my power. You either break from the pressure or rise from it. I chose to rise!

Would you ever consider returning to reality TV, acting, or modeling full-time , or do you see yourself moving in a different direction moving forward?

Never say never! I’m open to whatever excites me. Acting is always my home base, but I’ve got dreams behind the camera too. I’m building an empire, not just a career.

Are there challenges in juggling all the different facets — modeling, acting, reality TV — of your career?

Oh, absolutely. There are moments where I’m exhausted or overwhelmed, but I’ve never been afraid of hard work. I thrive in chaos, I’ll be honest. I just make sure I have those moments to breathe and reset in between the madness. Supporting my mental and physical wellbeing is really important for me. I go to the gym regularly and make sure to be consistent with going to therapy. I can only do the best in my work when I show up as the best version of myself.

What’s been the most rewarding moment in your career so far, and how has it influenced your next steps in the entertainment industry?

Publishing my book was a huge moment and it felt like opening my heart and letting the world see the real me. It reminded me how many people relate to my story. That connection with people? That’s what drives me now. 

How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance, and what practices help you stay grounded?

Balance isn’t always perfect, but I’m getting better at saying no to things that drain me. I switch off social media when I need to, light a candle, put on a face mask, call my mum… the little things keep me sane. 

Are there any personal rituals or practices you swear by to maintain your well-being or boost your confidence?

Affirmations! I talk to myself like I would my best friend. And movement—whether it’s going to the gym, a dance session, or a long walk. Oh, and glam. A good glam day is therapy in itself! 

Has being in the spotlight changed the way you approach your own self-care or mental health? If so, how?

100%. You have to be so intentional with your energy. I’ve learned to take care of myself mentally just as much as physically. Therapy has been huge for me. And learning that it’s okay not to be okay all the time… that was a game changer. 

 What inspired you to write Be Your Own Best Friend: And other lessons from a life lived in and out of the limelight, and how does it reflect your own personal journey?

I wanted to share my truth, uncut, unfiltered and real. There’s so much more to me than what people see on a screen. This book is for the girls who feel like they’re too much, or not enough. It’s my love letter to them and to myself. 

How has writing helped you grow?

It made me reflect on things I hadn’t properly faced. Writing helped me process, heal, and celebrate how far I’ve come. It gave me power over my own narrative, and that’s priceless.

Which lesson do you feel most passionate about sharing with your readers?

That you have to choose yourself. Every single day. Even when it’s hard. Especially when it’s hard. You can’t rely on anyone else to give you the love and validation you deserve. You have to give it to yourself first. 

What do you hope your readers take away from your book, especially those who might be struggling with confidence or self-worth?

 I hope they see themselves in my story and know they’re not alone. That even in your darkest moments, you’re still worthy. Confidence isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being real. 

Looking back at your experiences, what’s one thing you’d tell your younger self about handling fame and success?

Don’t dim your light to make other people comfortable. Fame comes and goes, but who you are, that’s forever. Protect your peace, trust your intuition, and never forget why you started. 

What are you currently working on next, and how do you envision your career evolving over the next few years?

I’ve got some really exciting projects in the works! I want to keep surprising people. This next chapter? It’s all about growth, impact, and staying true to Ekin-Su!