Ekin-Su Culculoglu’s future with Dancing On Ice is “in doubt as family and friends feel she has been hung out to dry” after the racy routine sparked over 100 Ofcom complaints
Ekin-Su Culculoglu’s family and friends have reportedly felt like she was “hung out to dry” by Dancing On Ice bosses after viewers on the show last week complained about her routine, which could spell her future in the broadcast in question.
The Love Island star recreated a memorable scene from the ITV2 reality show which saw her crawling on the floor, sparking over 100 Ofcom complaints from viewers who thought the routine was too racy for the family-friendly series.
According to The Sun, those close to Ekin-Su are not happy with how the situation was handled as she didn’t choose her outfit or her moves.
Unhappy: Ekin-Su Culculoglu’s family and friends have reportedly felt that she was ‘hung out to dry’ by Dancing On Ice bosses after viewers complained about her routine on last week’s show
A source said: “The general feeling among her family and friends is that she was in this situation through no fault of her own.
‘Ekin-Su was told which track she would skate to, what outfit she would wear, and what moves she would perform.
“The feeling is that the performance she gave didn’t sit well with viewers on a show that airs Sunday night teatime, especially one that’s popular with families.”
The insider added that ITV bosses thought it was “reasonable” for a Love Island contestant to perform a racy routine, but the audience for Dancing On Ice is different.
Raunchy: The Love Island star recreated a memorable scene from the reality show which saw her crawling on the floor, sparking over 100 Ofcom complaints from viewers
The feeling among Ekin-Su’s loved ones is that the show has gone too far with its routine.
However, the Turkish beauty is said to have put on a brave face and had no qualms about the appearance.
Web has reached out to representatives from Dancing On Ice for comment.
Ekin-Su certainly brought some fire to the rink, performing in a nude mesh jumpsuit with a dramatically embellished detail.
The ensemble was a recreation of what Britney Spears wore in her Toxic music video – which the reality star danced to.
A source said, “The general feeling among her family and friends is that she was in this situation through no fault of her own.”
The actress crawled across the ice during the performance, an ode to the famous Love Island scene in which she crawled across the villa’s patio to kiss fellow islander Jay Younger behind her partner Davide Sanclimenti’s back.
The sultry routine also saw her lying on her back and being pulled up into the arms of partner Brendyn with a bevy of animated facial expressions.
Ekin-Su and professional skater Brendyn Hatfield were marked by the judges with 21.5 points in the middle of the rankings.
But while they agreed the star certainly had sex appeal, they were hoping for a little more from the performance.
THAT crawl: The actress crawled across the ice during the performance, an ode to the famous Love Island scene (right)
Confident: Ekin-Su is said to have put on a brave face and had no qualms about the routine
“It was very sexy. But what I want more of is skating,” said judge Jayne Torvill. Ashley agreed as he said, “Skate alone without holding on to Brendyn, show us what you can do.”
Many viewers also took to social media to brand the routine “not appropriate” for the family show, which will air before the tipping point.
But the performance was a hit with Ekin-Su’s friend Davide, who sat in the audience and teased that he couldn’t wait to take her home.
Later in the show, the public vote revealed the Love Island star received the lowest number of public votes and will skate off alongside another star on this week’s show.
DANCING ON ICE 2023: MEET THE PARTICIPANTS
PATSY PALMER
AGE: 50
PROFESSION: Actress and DJ
WHAT DID YOU SAY?: “I’ve turned down before because I was scared, but when I turned 50 I made a pact to get out of my confrontational zone. ‘
EKIN SU CULCULOGLU
AGE: 28
PROFESSION: Love Island star
WHAT DID YOU SAY?: “I have amazing news for you. I’m so excited I can’t wait to get on the ice and skate. Stay tuned and see you on the ice.’
MOLLIE GALLAGHER
AGE: 24
PROFESSION: Actress
WHAT DID YOU SAID?: “I don’t have the best coordination, so people laugh when they find out, but I don’t want to spend my life saying, ‘I can’t do this, I can’t do this. “
Joey Essex
AGE: 32
PROFESSION: Ex-TOWIE star
WHAT DID YOU SAY?: “I’m so excited. I wanted something structured in my life that was more serious than what I usually do.’
CARLEY STENSON
AGE: 36
PROFESSION: Actress and West End star
WHAT DID YOU SAY?: “I’m so excited to be able to learn how to dance on ice! I’m scared but can’t wait – I just want to make the most of this whole experience.”
SIVA KANESWARAN
AGE: 33
PROFESSION: Singer
WHAT DID YOU SAY?: “I want to learn to skate and make my family proud of me and put on a show for all to see.”
JOHANNES FASHANU
AGE: 60
PROFESSION: Former soccer player and expert
WHAT DID YOU SAY?: “I’m definitely going to win it. And that might be one of the scariest things I’ve ever signed up for, but I couldn’t be more up for the challenge!”
NILE WILSON
AGE: 26
PROFESSION: Olympic gymnast
WHAT DID YOU SAY?: “I haven’t skated much but I’m so excited for the opportunity. I’m so excited to get into this routine and feel like an athlete again.
JAMES LEE WILLIAM AKA THE VIVIENNE
AGE: 29
PROFESSION: Drag queen
WHAT DID YOU SAY?: “To be the first drag artist to compete in one of the UK’s major reality competition shows is an honor and a huge step forward for queer representation on television.”
DARREN HARRIOT
PROFESSION: Comedian
AGE: 34
WHAT DID YOU SAID?: “I have huge feet, I can’t skate and I can’t dance. My family has already made bets – they’re making bets that I’ll fall in the first episode!”
MICHELLE HEATON
AGE: 43
PROFESSION: Singer
WHAT DID YOU SAY?: “I’ve always wanted to do it but I know the way I was 18 months ago I would never have been able to complete anything so I’m really very grateful ‘that I got it this year when I’m much stronger.’