Ekin-Su Culculoglu has appeared unrecognisable in a resurfaced photo taken of her competing as Miss Ireland almost a decade ago.
The Love Island favourite was crowned winner of the 2022 series alongside Davide Sanclimenti, securing a joint £50,000 (€59,000) cash prize, as they beat runners-up Gemma Owen and Luca Bish.
During the Virgin Media series, which ended this week, viewers and contestants alike were struck by the 'Turkish Delight's' stunning appearance.
READ MORE: Love Island 2022 stars before and after surgery including huge makeover for Ekin-Su
It turns out the 27-year-old looked strikingly different in her younger years - and a new photo has emerged of her at the age of 18 looking virtually unrecognisable.
The throwback snap, which has went viral on social media, shows her in a white bikini and Ireland sash as she competes as Miss Ireland.
It appears the actress represented Ireland during the 2011 Miss Asia Pacific World pageant.
The London-born actress, who was raised in both Istanbul and England, did not mention any links to Ireland during her time in the villa - although did appear to use an Irish accent at one point during an argument with Dubliner Dami.
READ MORE: Irish Love Island fans baffled as they hear bizarre change in Ekin-Su's accent on movie night
The reality star has been open about her cosmetic surgery and even had a non-surgical nose job and Botox treatment before she made her way into Love Island.
She also previously discussed having had veneers and a breast augmentation.
The resurfaced snap comes after more pictures emerged from her time as a shot girl at the University of Central Lancashire, where she studied.
An insider described Ekin-Su as a “character” following her time at university and someone who “wanted to be famous”.
Speaking to the MailOnline, a source said: “Ekin-Su was definitely a character.
“Everybody knew who she was at university, and she made sure of that. We only ever knew her as Susie though and it was a surprise when she started going by the name Ekin-Su.
“She had a strong Essex accent at university, which has changed a lot since she pursued her acting dreams in Turkey.
“Ekin-Su always wanted to be famous, she studied performing arts and after uni competed in Miss World, Miss Ireland, and Miss Central London beauty pageants, so being on Love Island suits her.”
After university, the Turkish star went on to have a successful acting career in her native country, before she landed a place in the 2022 series of Love Island, becoming the winner.
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