Love Island 2022 winner Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu will make her Dancing on Ice debut on Sunday night, after being confirmed for the show back in October.
It comes after she and boyfriend Davide Sanclimenti won over the hearts of the nation, winning the popular dating programme with a staggering 63.7% of the vote. Since leaving the iconic villa, Ekin-Su and Davide have had their own spin-off show.
And with the 28-year-old also bagging a number of lucrative deals, including one reported to be worth £1m with fashion brand Oh Polly, the soap actress is arguably the most successful person to leave Love Island.
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It's because of this status that many Ekin-Su fans have slammed her decision to appear on Dancing on Ice. Some believe the programme is beneath her, though many previous Love Island stars have had a stint on the ice before her.
When it was first announced she had signed up for DOI, one fan tweeted: "She’s better than this and needs new management", while another said: "Why would [she] sign up for this? No money or career boost really".
But these people have got it all wrong. It's a very clever move for Ekin. Firstly, it comes at the start of a brand new year, and a time when she may have otherwise been far from the headlines.
Secondly, Dancing On Ice gives Ekin-Su a platform to showcase all of her talents. As any Love Island fan knows, she is fiercely competitive, plus she literally used to ice-skate as a child.
Not one to be modest, she has said herself she has a "really good chance of winning" - and I don't disagree.
The star is the perfect candidate for those DOI makeovers, the glitz and the glamour. Not to mention her performances will also open her up to a completely new audience, likely adding to her already huge fanbase.
Some people may think this was a poor decision on Ekin-Su's part, but it's actually a very clever career move.
Dancing on Ice begins on Sunday (January 15) at 6.30pm on ITV and ITVX
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