The secrets of how Ekin-Su and Davide became the most-adored couple in Love Island history
WITH five days to go until the Love Island final, Ekin-Su Culculoglu and Davide Sanclimenti remain the most fancied couple in the show’s seven-year history.
Bookie Ladbrokes says 25 per cent of all the money it has taken so far has been lodged for the stunning pair to win the series.
So just how have the Turkish soap star and the Italian beefcake become such an adorable combo – and convinced the nation they’re such a surefire bet?
During the ITV2 show’s eight series, just a handful of pairs have rivalled this power couple’s odds in the lead-up to the final.
We chart Ekin-Su and Davide’s journey and see how they stack up against those past Love Island favourites – giving each pair a rating out of five for their star quality.
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Ekin-Su Culculoglu & Davide Sanclimenti
2022 odds: 1/4
Before: Ekin-Su grew up in Essex and took part in beauty pageants as a teen. Her acting work then took her to Turkey, where her parents are from.
During: A turbulent journey filled with partner swapping, explosive rows and sweet reunions.
Ekin made a beeline for Davide when she entered the villa at the end of the first week and they quickly acted on their attraction with sweaty gym workouts.
But as the days wore on, the Turkish actress began to feel frustrated that Davide wasn’t doing “the little things” for her like bringing an iced coffee in the morning.
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Viewers were gutted the burgeoning couple may be over as soon as they’d begun when Ekin’s head turned for a new arrival, another beefcake, Jay Younger.
But the pivot led to hilarious scenes when Ekin crawled on all fours to meet Jay secretly on the terrace.
When Davide found out, he fired off a now-iconic one-liner: “You are a liar and an actress!”
While Ekin’s deceit proved to be the couple’s demise, it cemented them separately as fan favourites and they proved unable to stay away from each other.
The enemies to lovers arc blossomed again during the heart rate challenge when Ekin – dressed as a sexy bride – boldly made her move and snogged Davide to reignite their spark.
Even though she was coupled up with another gym boy at the time – Charlie Radnedge – Ekin and Davide were back on and viewers were over the moon when they were able to finally recouple officially.
Since then it’s been plain sailing, with every playful fight swiftly followed by a passionate smooch.
So just why do their loved ones think Ekin and Davide have proven to be such a perfect match?
His friend Fabrizio said: “Both are fiery individuals with a go-getter attitude – we can all tell how genuine the way they look at each other is.”
Ekin’s pal added: “She’s an amazing person and always wanted a little family. I think both of them are great together and would conquer the world. I know he’ll take care of my bestie.”
After: A happy ever after? Davide’s pal Fabrizio said: “Both are fiery individuals with go-getter attitudes. We can tell how genuine the way they look at each other is.”
Ekin-Su’s mate added: “She’s an amazing person and always wanted a little family.
“I think they’re great together and would conquer the world. I know he’ll take care of my bestie.”
Millie Court & Liam Reardon
2021 odds: 8/11
Before: Liam was 22 when he joined the show and was working as a bricklayer. Millie was 24 and a buyer’s administrator for fashion website Asos.
During: Their love story suffered a blow when Liam couldn’t resist snogs in bed with Casa Amor temptress Lillie Haynes.
But viewers reckoned their connection was stronger than the other finalists, including fiery Faye Winter, and crowned them winners.
After: The pair lasted a year before breaking up this month. Millie is now a huge commodity in the fashion world, with her own clothes line for Asos, while Liam is a model.
Dani Dyer & Jack Fincham
2018 odds: 4/11
Before: Cheeky chappy Jack was a 28-year-old stationery salesman, while Dani, then 23, was best known as actor Danny Dyer’s daughter.
She had also already appeared on ITV2 reality TV series Survival Of The Fittest.
During: After starting off as friends, Jack and Dani’s love blossomed and even his ex Ellie Jones entering Casa Amor didn’t derail their journey.
They bagged nearly 80 per cent of the vote and romped to victory.
After: The pair lasted nine months after the show.
Jack is now a celebrity boxer, while Dani is a mum of one and an influencer and podcaster, and will soon appear in an E4 travel show alongside her dad.
Amber Davies & Kem Cetinay
2017 odds: 1/2
Before: Kem was 21 and worked as a barber in Essex while Amber, 20, was a dancer from Denbigh, North Wales.
During: The couple had an explosive relationship in the villa and shocked viewers with the number of times they had sex.
But they made for great telly and were chosen as winners over Camilla Thurlow and Jamie Jewitt, plus Chris Hughes and Olivia Attwood — who went on to become big stars.
After: The pair lasted just six months outside the villa. Kem is now the host of Love Island’s official podcast, while Amber bagged roles in the West End and now performs at Proud Cabaret in London.
Molly-Mae Hague & Tommy Fury
2019 odds: 1/2
Before: Tommy was 20 and had just turned professional as a light-heavyweight boxer. Molly had just turned 20 and had a burgeoning career as an influencer.
During: Despite several bombshells, including Maura Higgins trying to steal away Tommy from Molly, they stayed the course.
It was a shock when Amber Gill and Greg O’Shea beat the perfect pair in the final.
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After: Molly is one of Love Island’s richest alumni and together she and Tommy are worth £7million.
They live together in a huge mansion in Cheshire.