Love Island 2022: UCLan graduate and former Preston resident Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu wins with Davide Sanclimenti

27-year-old UCLan graduate and firm fan favourite Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu won the show with partner Davide Sanclimenti, with the pair going home with an impressive £50,000.

The fiery couple, who both came in as bombshells, won the public vote, with second place going to Gemma Owen and Luca Bish, third to Indiyah Polack and Dami Hope, and fourth to Tasha Ghouri and Andrew Le Page.

Turkish born actress Ekin lived in Preston whilst studying a BA acting degree at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), which she graduated from in 2015.

During her time at university, she even featured in an online reality show followed the lives of UCLan students, but she will surely be hoping her latest reality stint will propel her to greater heights.

With 1.6 million Instagram followers and rumours of brands fighting for partnerships, it appears the Love Island queen is already fast on her way to become one of the many stars with links to Preston...

What did Ekin-Su say?

Before the winner was announced, Ekin-Su said: “It feels so surreal, finding the man of your dreams and just growing, I’m lost for words.

“I would sum up my relationship absolutely bonkers, crazy, romantic and just fun really.”

And for one of the first times this season, once she had been crowned winner, Ekin-Su was speechless.

Whilst she sobbed and said “I can’t talk”, her boyfriend Davide said: “I can’t believe it.”

What did the Love Island host say?

Host Laura Whitmore said: “We have loved watching you every step of the way, we’ve been part of this journey and thank you so much for sharing your love with us- haven’t we loved them?”

What have UCLan said?

The UCLan twitter account wrote: “Congratulations to @UCLanAlumni Ekin-Su who has been crowned #LoveIsland2022 winner #EkinSUCLan”

UCLan researcher and former SU President Sunny Kaur replied: “Congratulations to @UCLanAlumni Ekin-Su and Davide for winning @LoveIsland 2022 Think we need a petition to change the @UCLan Media Factory name to EkinSu...”

What have the public said?

@MuradMerali: “Ekin Su. A legend. The moment. She brought back love island into its peak. Carried this season and brought countless legendary scenes. One of thee best love island contestants to ever enter the villa. Ekin Su will come through! And she did.”

@SOHNI47209040: “YESSSSSSSS!!!! All is right with the world again! The winners of love island 2022 - Ekin and Davide!!!”

@amyxjk: “the girlies bringing football home and then queen ekin being crowned in a matter of days? we are blessed”

@dramasbub: “i swear i've watched all seasons and this is the best and the most satisfying win ever! congrats ekin & davide”

@t0nit0ne: “YESSSSSS!!!! Our Turkish Delight and her Italian Stallion are so deserving! TV GOLD! This season should be renamed Ekin-Su Island because it would have been dry without her! RUN EKIN HER COINS!!!”

@randomrambles__: “Ekin Su carried this season and deserves the win”

@BeeBabs: Ekin Su gave us drama, heart, passion, redemption, grace, forgiveness, humour, love and she was never ever mean or badmind or spiteful and laughed at herself!! She was sweet to the other girls! She was everything!!! People's princess!!!!