Davide breaks silence after shock split from Ekin-Su and claims he was blindsided by announcement

DAVIDE Sanclimenti has broken his silence following his shock split from Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu.

The Love Island winner told fans that while the separation was a joint decision, the timing of Ekin's announcement took him by surprise.

In an Instagram statement, he wrote: "Life sometimes reserves surprises and suddenly wakes you up...

"Ekin and I, just after the ski holidays, decided to go different ways. It was a joint decision, but I was waiting to make it public to respect her time in the show. I don't know why the agreed statement changed last minute.

"I agree, it was a beautiful story, even with its ups and downs like all couples.

"I loved every moment, from the first time I knew her in the villa until life outside. I really believed in us and saw a future for us. But sometimes in life people need to grow apart. Is just the direction of life. I will treasure our moments forever.

"Now it's time to focus on myself. I love you all always, thank you for the unconditional support everyone showed me from the beginning."

Earlier today Ekin confirmed they had called time on their romance after The Sun revealed an OnlyFans model had left them on the verge of a second break-up.

The actress said she made the decision to end their relationship in a lengthy statement on Instagram.

The Traitors US star, 29, said: "The last 18-months have been a rollercoaster of ups and downs, just like every relationship. Davide and I both wanted to make this work as we cared deeply for each other.

"Unfortunately I have recently made the decision to end our relationship and to go our separate ways..

"Breakups are never easy. For any couple. And we hope that our privacy will be respected. I enjoyed our time together and the memories we made.

"Thank you for your continued support. It's been so lovely to have you follow our Love Island journeys together since the villa and we hope you'll continue to follow our careers as we go off in our own directions. Love always, Ekin-Su."

The Sun told on Monday how Ekin-Su and Davide had endured a series of rows over an OnlyFans model who he had been growing close to.

Fans had spotted Davide and the OnlyFans star exchanging flirty 'likes' on social media.

Ekin-Su was also spotted liking tweets that called Davide's loyalty to her into question.

The final straw came when model Sylvija Vasilevska liked posts of Davide on a skiing holiday with Ekin-Su - who was missing in the snaps.

A source said yesterday: "They're on the brink of a split and Ekin-Su has been going to events without Davide. They’re having rows over this friend of Davide’s who Ekin suspects more might be going on with. She’s an OnlyFans model and longterm friend of his in Manchester."

Other sources have claimed that the couple - who brought plenty of drama in the Love Island villa in 2022 - haven't stopped arguing in recent weeks.

They said: "They fight all the time - they were together on the weekend, but then Ekin was on social media liking shady tweets about Davide.

"But they’re always on and off and always rowing."

Ekin and Davide split last year and spent their time apart jetting off on separate holidays to Turkey and Ibiza.

Shortly after their break up was made public, Davide was caught on camera with a suspicious substance.

Then in August, they shocked fans when they reunited and Davide, 28, treated her on her 29th birthday.

While Ekin and Davide won Love Island they were also known for their fiery arguments.

Show fans will remember iconic moments such as when Davide famously called her a "liar" and an "actress" during one of their most heated rows.

Despite their ups and downs in the villa, they have often reunited.

The Sun previously revealed how Italian Davide is set to become a millionaire thanks to lucrative brand deals.