Love Island winner Ekin-Su Culculoglu has denied rumours of a romance with James Argent after they were spotted enjoying a “drunken snog”.
It had been suggested that James, 36, and Ekin-Su, 29, had struck up a “shock romance” and had reportedly “grown close after enjoying cosy dates” at each other’s homes in Essex following the latter’s eviction from the Big Brother house back in March.
However, a source told the Mirror: “James and Ekin share the same management team so it’s inevitable that they’d be linked, but both have denied a romance. Sadly, the pair are no strangers to people trying to make a quick buck out of them, and it looks like this is another case of somebody trying to sell out on the pair.”
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“Ekin-Su has been keeping a low profile since CBB but is set to lift the lid soon on what she has been up to. There’s some big revelations coming, and some exciting projects that will be coming in the summer. She is finally going to tell her truth.”
(Image: Getty Images)
The source continued: “The team are channeling their inner Wagatha Christie and trying to find out who is selling out on Ekin-Su. And they’re pretty sure they know who it is.
“Ekin-Su and James are friends, and have had a little laugh to themselves about the story. They both remain single. There are a small number of people who were told about a drunken snog, so everybody is getting closer to the source of the leaks.”
A spokesperson confirmed to the Mirror: “The pair both deny dating claims, and continue to be represented by the same manager.”
In the wake of this, a source revealed to the Daily Mail: “James lives close to Ekin, they are practically neighbours – so when she needed a friend after Celebrity Big Brother, he was there for her.”
(Image: Getty Images)
The insider further suggested that their camaraderie has “developed into something stronger”.
Moreover, the insider shared: “Their companionship evolved into something more potent with increased time together, even sharing passionate kisses. It’s still early stages, with both having been in high-profile relationships recently… but there’s no denying the palpability of feelings and chemistry between them.”
Ekin-Su appeared on the most recent season of Celebrity Big Brother, which broadcast for three weeks in March. Amongst her fellow housemates were eventual champ David Potts and Nikita Kuzmin finishing second place.
She found herself being the fourth star to exit from the Big Brother house. Her experience turned out to be quite divisive, which she succinctly put across in her social media post last month, asserting: “Took some time off to reflect, recharge and restore which I’m still very much doing but I’ll need to be back online for work purposes especially.”
(Image: Max Cisotti/Dave Benett/Getty Images)
She expressed earlier: “Haven’t felt myself for a long time, and I’ve realised I had kind of lost myself and for a while didn’t know who I was beyond being defined by ex relationships or TV shows, and that needs to change! I am so excited for all the growth and full healing. CBB was the final lightbulb moment to make me realise what needs to be done.”
The telly icon who has appeared on Traitors US and Dancing on Ice as well, signed off with: “Embracing the fresh start to a new month and new era. Wishing everyone an April full of possibilities. I am so grateful for each one of you.”
Ekin-Su’s romantic past includes Davide Sanclimenti. The duo, crowned Love Island champs in 2022, announced individually on social media back in January that their relationship had ended.
It is believed that former TOWIE cast member James, also known just as ‘Arg’, was linked with Stella Turian last year. It was reportedly said in November that the lovebirds called it quits.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
