I was on Love Island & here’s how to get on the show – including the picture that helped me bag my dream man

SHE famously met her match on Love Island and since Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu has shared how others can follow in her footsteps. 

Ekin-Su, who won the 2022 series of the show alongside boyfriend Davide Sanclimenti, has opened up about the application process for the popular ITV2 dating show that’s currently back on screens. 

The Dancing on Ice star revealed some of the things the producers make you do ahead of being signed up for the show. 

And later in the interview with Kiss FM, Ekin, 27, told how a picture that Davide drew when he was applying led to them finding lasting love. 

Ekin told radio DJs and Diversity stars Jordan Banjo and Perri Kiely: “I’ve got the best advice for anyone applying right now.”

The outspoken winner continued: “Don’t copy past Love Islanders.”

Ekin then went on to name check memorable contestants from the past, and why emulating them won’t work. 

She explained: “Don’t try and be a Molly Mae, don’t try and be an Amber Davies, don’t try to be a Tommy Fury – be you.

“Be authentic on the application, don’t worry about sounding fancy.

“If you like eating donuts with salmon, write that. Because people like quirky personalities.”

The reality star added: “You don’t want to fake it because you can only hide that mask for two days in there before it falls off.

“Because you’re filmed 24-7.”

As Davide, 27, interjected that he would also say it’s important not to go on the show, Ekin agreed.

She said: “I know some people use it as a platform and it’s very obvious who uses it as a platform.”

Ekin’s advice obviously worked a treat for her, as she made her name on the show and went on to find Davide, who she described as her “soulmate.”

Speaking about some of the quirkier things you have to do on the application form, Ekin said the behind-the-scenes team asked you to draw a picture of your dream date. 

And she says it was this that brought her and Davide together, as the producers spotted the likeness.  

Ekin recalled: “When you apply for the show… there’s this drawing that he drew.

“You have to draw a drawing on the application of your dream man or dream woman.

“At the time, I had blonde highlights, and he drew this girl [who was basically me].”