Love Island winner Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu has said she was offered to host the show in replacement of Laura Whitmore
(Picture: Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu/Instagram)Love Island star Ekin-Su CülcüloÄlu has claimed she was approached to take over as host of the ITV2 show, before Maya Jama was announced to have the job.
CülcüloÄlu, 28, was named winner of Love Island with partner Davide Sanclimenti in August, by presenter Laura Whitmore, before she stepped down as host after two years.
Following months of speculation, Maya Jama was confirmed as the new presenter of Love Island last week, and is set to make her debut on the show when it returns in early 2023.
CülcüloÄlu has since claimed that she was offered the gig, however turned it down as she “wasn’t ready”.
She told PopSugar: “I did get offered. I would’ve loved to do it, but I can’t at the minute because of how busy I am. And I said I’m not ready for it.
“I want proper training. I’ve done presenting before, but not to the level of Laura.”
CülcüloÄlu backed ITV’s decision on having Jama, 28, host Love Island, as she praised the presenter.
“She’s funny, intelligent, smart, beautiful,” the former Islander added.
“ITV have made a good choice with picking her, I think.”
Jama shared her excitement following the announcement of her being the new Love Island host, saying at the time: “I can’t wait to get into the villa to meet all of the islanders.”
CülcüloÄlu was recently confirmed as a contestant on the Dancing on Ice 2023 series, joining Eastenders star Patsy Palmer, TOWIE’s Joey Essex and Liberty X singer Michelle Heaton.
The reality star discussed the upcoming competition in a video as she was announced as part of the new series.
In the clip, CülcüloÄlu said: “I’m so excited for the team, I can’t wait to get on the ice and skate. Stay tuned and see you on the ice!”
