>
Davide Sanclimenti has admitted to being ‘afraid’ that his relationship with Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu would not work out in the outside world after they left the Love Island villa.
But in an exclusive conversation with MailOnline, the 27-year-old reality star said the couple has grown closer since the show and their relationship has developed into “true love.”
He said: ‘I feel like we’re getting closer and closer since we left the villa. Of course there were feelings in the villa, but when we went into the real world and started living as a real couple, we felt real.
Concerns: Davide Sanclimenti has admitted to being ‘afraid’ his relationship with Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu would not work out in the outside world after they left the Love Island villa
“Because we were scared, I was also worried that the relationship wouldn’t work out on the outside. But in the end we found that we worked better.
He continued, “Love Island isn’t real, it’s still a TV show, because you’re surrounded by cameras and people watching you, so I feel like you can’t open yourself up too much.
“But when you go into the real world, you have moments just you and her, so you start to become a real couple and that’s where you start to feel the real love.”
Davide, who was candid about his girlfriend, confessed, “I’ve never met anyone else like Ekin.
‘Real love’: In an exclusive chat with MailOnline, the 27-year-old reality star said the couple has grown closer since the show and their relationship has developed into ‘real love’
“I feel like we’re very similar – she’s like copying and pasting me in a female version. We like the same things, have the same interests, the same sense of humor, we like the same movies. And then we have so much fun too.
“What makes Ekin special is that she has a very strong character and is very caring for me, and I really like it when a woman is caring. She wants the best for me and she’s very ambitious.’
The pair have both launched successful careers since Love Island, keeping them very busy, but Davide says they still make time for each other.
He said: ‘We knew when we left the villa that we would be very busy, so we were prepared for that.
Busy schedules: The couple have both launched successful careers since Love Island, keeping them very busy, but Davide says they still make time for each other
‘Of course we didn’t expect to be so busy! But recently we were talking and we said that although the situation can be stressful at times, we have so many fond memories of the past two months.
“If we were in a normal relationship, we wouldn’t have these memories in a year and a half.”
The couple are still planning to move in together, with Davide saying he’s willing to trade Manchester for Essex to be with Ekin-Su.
He said: ‘I went to Essex a few weeks ago to see Ekin’s father and I really liked the area so I think if we move together I’d say yes to coming to Essex.
“Most of our jobs are in London, and it’s a nice area and I liked it. I think it’s the next step, but nothing is certain and we don’t have a date yet.’
Next step: The couple are still planning to move in together, with Davide saying he’s willing to trade Manchester for Essex to be with Ekin-Su
Ekin-Su and Davide recently revealed that they will star in a new ITV series called Ekin-Su and Davide: Homecomings where fans will see them travel to their hometowns in Turkey and Italy.
Davide released a few details of what viewers can expect: “She met my family, I met hers, she cooked with my mother and I cooked with her grandmother.
“We had two minor quarrels, but we resolved them immediately. I think the show is going to be a lot of fun, if I look back on all the things we’ve seen, it’s going to be fun.”
Davide, who recently revealed that he turned down a chance to star on Dancing on Ice, said he goes with his gut when choosing jobs.
Exciting: Ekin-Su and Davide recently revealed that they will star in a new ITV series called Ekin-Su and Davide: Homecomings, where fans will see them travel to their hometowns in Turkey and Italy
He said: ‘I know right away whether I want to do something or not, as in the past I immediately said no to other things. I always do what I want to do and what I like, I don’t like to take everything just because it makes good money.’
He added: “I haven’t done a cooking show yet, that’s probably something I’d like to do in the near future. If this show goes well, maybe we can do Davide and Ekin-Su all over the world.”
The Italian stallion insists his newfound success and fame haven’t changed him, saying, “I’m still the same person, with my feet on the ground, still humble.”
“Yes, I won Love Island and it was a great experience, but I know I’m still me. Just because I have followers or I’m famous, I don’t have to change my personality.’
Davide recently partnered with Prezzo to give customers the chance to get together over his famous tiramisu on Davi date nights.
He will spread the love for couples who want to follow in his footsteps by donning his chef uniform and serving the dish to fans.
During their dates, guests can also enjoy an upscale selection of Italian classics from the all-new Prezzo menu, including Truffled Macaroni Cheese, Pork & Fennel Ragu, and a chocolate-dipped Biscoff Cheesecake.
Sweet treat: Davide recently partnered with Prezzo to give customers the chance to gather over his famous tiramisu on Davi date nights
Davide said of his love for Italian food: ‘It’s our culture, we like to spread our food all over the world. I like Italian food and I feel like I like it when someone else likes to eat Italian. Like when I went to Italy with Ekin, she loved the pizza, lasagna and the Italian food there.
He added: ‘Since we left the villa I haven’t had much time to cook for her, we’ve been busy. But when we have a quiet time or a quiet night, I like to cook for her. I actually prefer to cook for her than when she cooks for me.
‘I like to make food for the person I love. Food is important in a relationship, it is a moment to be together and to pause, especially if you are busy during the day.’
Delicious: He will spread the love for couples who want to follow in his footsteps by donning his chef uniform and serving the dish to fans