Two contestants from Love Island were overheard making plans for a secret date at this year’s National Television Awards. The pair was seen engaging in heavy flirting during an after party.
Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu and Joe Garratt, who never appeared on Love Island together, were observed laughing together in the VIP section at an NTA after-party. Onlookers sensed a spark between them as Joe was heard inviting Ekin-Su on a date.
An insider noted that Ekin-Su and Joe displayed genuine chemistry, evident from their constant laughter and playful interaction at the afterparty. According to witnesses, Joe expressed his interest in spending more time with Ekin-Su.
Speculation arose that this could potentially lead to another Love Island couple forming. While numerous Love Island pairs have stayed together post-show, there have been instances of former Islanders meeting and forming relationships after the show’s conclusion.
Lucie Donlan, who was coupled with Joe in season five, is now engaged to season six contestant Luke Mabbott. Additionally, Maura Higgins briefly dated her season five co-star Chris Taylor.
Ekin-Su’s previous Love Island relationship was with Curtis Pritchard on Love Island: All Stars, where they reached the final but were eventually bested by Gabby Allen and Casey O’Gorman. Ekin-Su and Curtis split shortly after departing the villa.
Before appearing on All Stars, Ekin-Su triumphed in season eight of Love Island alongside Davide Sanclimenti in 2022. Their relationship lasted nearly two years post-show.
Joe has been romantically linked to several individuals, including TOWIE’s Frankie Sims, Too Hot To Handle’s Georgia Hassarati, and internet personality Sophie Batzloff.
Since his elimination from the first season of All Stars, where he was voted off alongside Arabella Chi for being the least compatible pair, Joe has not been associated with any Love Island contestants.
During his time on season five, Joe was partnered with Lucie, and their relationship faced challenges when boxer Tommy Fury developed feelings for Lucie. However, by the end of the season, Tommy was happily coupled with Molly-Mae Hague, with whom he now has a daughter.
Although Tommy and Molly-Mae briefly split, Molly-Mae revealed in her NTA-winning documentary, “Molly-Mae: Behind It All,” that they have reconciled.
If you enjoyed this story, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Threads for more of the latest showbiz news and gossip.