This is our favourite time in the Love Island calendar (both summer andLove Island: All Stars) - you know, a few weeks in when producers go mad with power and start booting Islanders left, right and centre.
Obviously, we don't like to see anyone dumped from the villa (that's a lie), but once they're dumped and back on UK soil, that usually means they'll shortly be arriving at Closer HQ for some one-on-one tea spilling.
And, on Wednesday 29 January 2025, lovebirds Olivia Hawkins and Marcel Somerville (still loved up we're happy to report) popped by our London offices to talk about their relationship, all the bat sh*t All Stars rules Islanders must follow and, of course, their fellow Islanders – Islanders like Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu.
![Ekin-Su](https://images.bauerhosting.com/celebrity/sites/2/2025/01/ekin-su-1.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
Naturally, the fandom can't get Ekin-Su's name out of their mouth, and not just because she is one of the most iconic Islanders of all time, but because this time around she has been accused of pot-stirring and even been a 'producer plant' to keep the drama fires burning. Undoubtable icon behaviour, yes, but what is Ekin-Su really like?
We put that very question to Olivia and Marcel, who were more than happy to divulge their true opinions on her.
![Marcel and Olivia](https://images.bauerhosting.com/celebrity/sites/2/2025/01/olivia-and-marcel.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
Olivia revealed, 'Ekin-Su just provides the viewers with what they want. She gets the good questions. She really digs in deep and that's great television. You can't knock her for it.'
Is it just us or is that the kind of compliment a best supporting actress would use to describe a best actress, rather than a friend?
![Ekin-Su](https://images.bauerhosting.com/celebrity/sites/2/2025/01/ekin-su-2.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
She continued, 'I genuinely think Ekin really has her friend's backs, so if her friend is going through something, then she's there for you. I don't think it's necessarily her stirring the pot, I just think she gives good advice and people go to her for that.'
While Marcel kept his answer civil, it was clear he had some thoughts on Ekin-Su sticking her nose where it potentially doesn't belong. He told Closer online, 'She definitely is involved in everything, even if it's not her thing to be involved in.'
We can't fault her there, though. We do that for a living.
The conversation swiftly moved on to Ekin-Su and Curtis Pritchard who are currently in one of the strongest couples in the All Stars villa, closing things off just a couple of weeks into their relationship.
![Ekin-Su and Curtis are closed off](https://images.bauerhosting.com/celebrity/sites/2/2025/01/ekin-su-and-curtis-1.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
Marcel shared his thoughts on the couple, revealing, 'Yeah, to be fair, from being in there with them and seeing how their relationship was progressing, they've definitely been checking off milestones. I'm hoping that when they do get off [the show], they can maintain it.'
Olivia added, 'I definitely think that Ekin and Curtis are very compatible. I do think, potentially, they may need a bit of a test in there, like a bombshell to come in to see where they're really at and then hopefully if they can get over that hurdle then the future's bright for them.'
Love Island producers, might we suggest George Tasker? Asking for a drama-obsessed friend.
WATCH: Ekin-Su's most iconic Love Island moments
Ben Pulsford is a digital writer for Bauer Media, writing for both Closer online and heatworld. When he's not getting paid to gossip about TOWIE, Love Island and The Real Housewives of Cheshire, he's storming the London LGBTQ+ scene as drag queen, Beary Poppins. Both Ben and Beary are awaiting an invite to join The Real Housewives of Cheshire for series 18. The budget's not there, but the drama is 💅.