Love Island All Stars' Ekin-Su Culculoglu laid down a "deal breaker" during her negotiations for a bombshell return to the villa.
The 30 year old model is currently laying low in South Africa, awaiting her appearance on the show, following 'protracted' discussions with executives.
Ekin informed ITV that she would only consider a comeback if they agreed to a significant stipulation. She insisted that her ex-boyfriend, Davide Sanclimenti, must not appear in the villa at any point during the series.
Despite their landslide victory in Love Island 2022, Ekin and Davide's split a year ago was fraught with tension. Ekin found the break up extremely difficult and is aware of its impact on her disastrous stint in Celebrity Big Brother.
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ITV)The star has made considerable efforts to 'improve' herself and fears that encountering Davide could spell disaster. A source revealed to The Sun: "Ekin's negotiations to do All Stars were lengthy as she was indecisive, but eventually she told bosses she would sign on the dotted line with one major condition - they had to agree not to put Davide in the villa at any point as a bombshell."
"This wasn't Ekin being a diva, it's more than she went through hell towards the end of the relationship and during the break up. A lot of that played out with how she came across on Celebrity Big Brother and she has only just got back to a good place in the last few months. The last thing she wants is to have to be in a villa."
The source continued to reveal that ITV executives were in agreement with Ekin's condition, particularly as some are "not fans" of Italian model Davide. "Bosses were more than happy to agree as they were desperate to land Ekin and didn't want to do anything to jeopardise that," the insider added.
"Furthermore, several of the bigwigs are not fans of Davide and believe he was very controlling in that relationship and didn't treat Ekin well." This week, The Sun claimed that Ekin-Su has signed up for this year's series of Love Island All Stars.
Ekin, who was dubbed a "chaotic masterpiece" by fans in 2022, quickly won over viewers and aims to do the same again. An insider revealed: "ITV bosses have long wanted Ekin back in Love Island and she’s finally agreed. "After she split with Davide last January bosses immediately put her on their wish list.
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ITV)"It took a lot of back and forth to persuade her to go back into the villa, especially after Ekin had such a tough time on Celebrity Big Brother. "But she wants to use this new stint on Love Island All Stars to redeem herself and remind the public why they love her. "ITV bosses haven't decided if she'll be a day one star, or a bombshell, but whatever happens she is telly gold and is going to be an incredible addition to the line up."
Love Island All Stars kicks off on Monday (January 13) and boasts a stellar line-up of former islanders. Curtis Pritchard, Luca Bish, India Reynolds and Gabby Allen are among the celebrities you'll spot in the South African villa.
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