Two participants from the reality TV show “Love Island” were caught making plans for a clandestine rendezvous at this year’s National Television Awards. The duo seemed to be engaging in heavy flirtation as they socialized at an after-party.
Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu and Joe Garratt, who did not appear together on the show, were seen sharing laughter in the VIP area during the post-NTAs celebration. Observers sensed a spark between them and overheard Joe proposing a date to Ekin-Su.
An insider revealed, “Ekin-Su and Joe have a genuine connection that was palpable just by observing them. Their laughter and playful banter didn’t cease after unexpectedly running into each other at the afterparty.”
According to reports from The Sun, Joe was testing the waters about potentially going on a date with Ekin-Su, expressing his desire to spend more time together.
Speculation arose that this could potentially lead to another romantic pairing from the “Love Island” franchise. While many couples from the show have remained together, there have also been instances of former contestants forming relationships post-show.
Lucie Donlan, who was coupled with Joe in season five of “Love Island,” 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 relationship from “Love Island” was with Curtis Pritchard. The pair reached the final on “Love Island: All Stars” before being surpassed by Gabby Allen and Casey O’Gorman. Ekin-Su and Curtis parted ways shortly after exiting the villa.
Before participating in “All Stars,” Ekin-Su triumphed in season eight of “Love Island” alongside Davide Sanclimenti in 2022. Their relationship lasted nearly two years following the show’s conclusion.
Joe has been romantically linked to various 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 couple, Joe has not been associated with any other “Love Island” contestants.
In a previous season, Joe was partnered with Lucie, and their relationship faced challenges when boxer Tommy Fury entered the villa and took an interest in Lucie. By the end of the show, however, Tommy had formed a strong bond with Molly-Mae Hague, and the pair now have a child together.
Although Tommy and Molly-Mae briefly separated, Molly-Mae disclosed in her NTA-winning documentary, “Molly-Mae: Behind It All,” that they have since reconciled.
