Love Island star Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu, who won the 2022 show, took part in this year’s series of Dancing On Ice – an ITV staple that sees famous faces from across the TV industry compete to be the best ice skater.
The 28-year-old, who is still with her Love Island partner Davide Sanclimenti, opened up about how her experiences during the show had an impact on her mental health in an interview with Cosmopolitan UK.
Speaking to the publication, Ekin-Su reflected on the struggle and how she “couldn’t say anything”.
She explained how the issue had been work-related but had taken place at the same time as her stint on the ITV show.
Ekin-Su was the third celebrity to leave Dancing on Ice in January after winning Love Island last year.
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The reality show star and partner Davide won the hearts of the public in 2022, and the couple remain an item.
In the interview, the Love Island star explained her struggle earlier this year as she talked about her mental health.
“There have been things in my life that I can’t mention now that have affected my mental health for a while,” she stated.
Ekin-Su went on: “I had to keep smiling and pretend everything was fine.
“This was during Dancing On Ice when there were things in the background – not relationship related, by the way – [they were] work-related, that was very hard.
“I couldn’t say anything. It was mentally draining. That was one of the tough times.
“It took me a while to get back out of it…Your mental health is your priority.”
Thankfully, Ekin-Su’s boyfriend Davide was on-hand to lend his support during the tough time.
She told the publication: “After my trip to the Maldives with Davide, we turned off our phones, we didn’t check the internet.
“He was helping me forget things [and] the stuff online.”
Earlier this month, Ekin-Su, who is of Turkish heritage, appeared on Good Morning Britain to detail her heartbreaking visit to Turkey in light of the devastating earthquake the country suffered in February.
She helped to make food for those in need and visited a children’s psychology session while supporting the British Red Cross following the tragedy.
Read the full interview with Ekin-Su on the Cosmopolitan UK website.