Celebrity Big Brother’s Ekin-Su ‘pulls out of final’ after car crash interview as she ‘refuses to reunite with cast’
EKIN-SU Cülcüloğlu will not be appearing on the Celebrity Big Brother final.
The Love Island star, 29, has continued to remain out of the spotlight since her eviction and her “car crash exit interview”.
It has now been reported that Ekin-Su has been withdrawn from appearing on the live final on Friday.
The Turkish actress will explain her absence ahead of the final – but has “refused to reunite with the cast” and hosts AJ Odudu and Will Best.
A source told the Mail: ‘It’s been a bit of a tough couple of weeks for Ekin-Su.
“She could have played the sob story card but has remained tight-lipped publicly and expressed to those around that she’s aware she must be accountable for a few things that have happened.
“Understandably she is feeling vulnerable, but is using this time to gather her thoughts, and figure out next steps, which is why her management believes withdrawing her from the final is the most sensible move.
“She has asked the team for some time to reflect which everybody is on board with.”
An ITV source added: “Ekin has been a part of some of ITV’s biggest shows over the last two years, including Love Island, Dancing on Ice, her own spin off show with Davide, and now Celebrity Big Brother.
‘As such a lot of the team there feel very protective towards her, and it’s a real shame she won’t be at the final.”
It comes after axed stars Marisha and Zeze returned to ITV spin-off show Late and Live last night, but Love Island winner Ekin was notably absent.
It comes after her eviction episode received hundreds of complaints from viewers.
The Celebrity Big Brother spin-off show – presented by Will Best and AJ Odudu – came under fire with 139 calls to Ofcom following the interview with Ekin-Su.
AJ pointedly hit back at Ekin-Su’s claims that she was the victim of poor editing by producers.
Ekin-Su was hours later caught up in another storm when Lorraine Kelly said she had pulled out of a scheduled appearance on the breakfast show.
This was later retracted by ITV, who said they looked forward to welcoming her on the programme.
However, Ekin-Su has not spoken out publicly in almost one week.
One fan said: “I’m very worried about the silence from Ekin-Su, her only social media appearance is changing her profile pic from CBB.
“I hope she’s taking time for herself and she’s doing okay and nothing else.”
Another said: “I don’t really get all the Ekin-Su drama and people saying ITV should be looking after her. I watched the late show and can’t see that Leyton was wrong saying she can’t blame the edit when she hasn’t seen it. What am I missing?”
Someone else sent their support, adding: “Thanks for being a great housemate! Try not to take any of that stuff to heart, it literally doesn’t matter and should all just be a bit of panto fun.
“You’ve been so entertaining and most importantly, totally harmless xxx.”
Dumped Housemate Lauren Simon has waded into the debate, saying she won’t return to Late and Live because of her own “horrific” experience.