Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu Returns to ‘Love Island: All Stars’ as Season 2 Bombshell

LONDON, U.K. — The highly anticipated Season 2 premiere of Love Island: All Stars kicked off with a dramatic twist as Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu, the Season 8 winner of Love Island UK, made a surprise return to the villa. The ITV2 reality dating show, filmed in South Africa, brought back fan-favorite Islanders for another shot at love, but Cülcüloğlu’s entrance stole the spotlight.

The premiere episode, which aired January 13, 2025, featured a star-studded cast of returning Islanders, including Kaz Crossley (Season 4), Luca Bish (Season 8), Gabby Allen (Season 3), India Reynolds (Season 5), Nas Majeed (Season 6), Scott Thomas (Season 2), Marcel Somerville (Season 3), and Curtis Pritchard (Season 5). However, it was Cülcüloğlu’s arrival that left viewers buzzing.

“I want to return to Love Island again because it’s where my journey started and has a special place in my heart,” Cülcüloğlu said in a statement before her return. “The fact that there’s an opportunity to do it again — why not! Why can’t a winner go back in and re-write her story and have a second chance?!”

Cülcüloğlu, who won Season 8 alongside Davide Sanclimenti, became a fan favorite during her original run. The couple’s post-show journey was documented in the special Ekin-Su and Davide: Homecomings, which followed their travels to Turkey and Italy. Since her Love Island victory, Cülcüloğlu has appeared on Celebrity Big Brother (2024) and Peacock‘s The Traitors US Season 2.

Reflecting on her growth since her first stint on the show, Cülcüloğlu said, “I wouldn’t change who I am. I’m going to carry on being me. I’m more mature now and I’ve learnt some lessons along the way — I might not react the same way as I did a few years ago, or I might do! We’ll never know until I’m there.”

The premiere episode set the stage for a season filled with drama, romance, and unexpected twists, as the returning Islanders navigate new connections and old rivalries. With Cülcüloğlu back in the villa, fans are eager to see how her presence will shake up the dynamics among the cast.