Real reason behind Ekin-Su and Curtis Pritchard's split as Love Islanders ‘held crisis talks' this week
The Sun can exclusively report how their shock break-up - after three weeks of dating following their time in the Love Island spin-off villa - "wasn't weeks in the making."
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As such, the split is said to be "raw" for both parties who discovered they were "growing apart" - with work opportunities proving a key divide.
A source close to the former couple has now told The Sun of the break-up: 'It was very much a mutual decision, but it happened very recently in the last few days.
"It certainly wasn't weeks in the making, so it's still raw for them both but they had a series of crisis talks in the recent days which were emotional for them both.
"They wanted to make it work, but they felt they like they were growing apart and they couldn't see a way forward.
"One of the biggest issues for their relationship was their busy careers - it sounds like a cliche but Ekin, 30, is getting a lot of work opportunities out in America, while Curtis, 29, is focussing on his burgeoning boxing career as well as his new investment app.
"As they are both so busy, it was becoming harder to prioritise the relationship and they realised that wasn't a good sign.
"They are still on really good terms and it's all very amicable.
"Nobody was blindsided, so there is no bad blood between them."
The finalists of the hit reality-dating spin-off had sparked concern they'd broken up earlier this month.
EKIN-SU'S STATEMENT
Today, Ekin-Su shared a statement on social media confirming they had parted ways.
She said: "I wanted to share that Curtis and I have decided to go our separate ways.
"It's been a really tough decision, but one made with a lot of love and respect for one another.
"He's an incredible person and I'll always cherish the memories we made both in and out of the villa.
"Thank you all so much for the love and support over the past few months.
ISLE SAY! Love Island couples who are still together
WANT proof reality TV series Love Island really works? See here the list of the ITV2 show alum who are still together - you might be surprised!
Grace and Luca
Elma and Sammy
Harriett and Ronnie
Uma and Wil
Tom and Molly
Josh and Sophie
Molly and Zach
Kai and Sanam
Liam and Millie
Molly-Mae and Tommy
Will and Jessie
Indiyah and Dami
Olivia and Alex
Dom and Jess
Jamie and Camilla
Nathan and Cara
"We're both focusing on navigating this transition and would really appreciate privacy during this time.
"Love always, Ekin-Su xx."
The Sun recently exclusively revealed she had bagged a new job Stateside as her profile continues to rise in the USA.
CURTIS' TAKE
Curtis released his own statement shortly after the pair called it quits.
In a message shared with his fans on social media, he wrote: "Just a quick note to say thank you so much for all the kind messages — it really does mean the world.
"It's true, Ekin and I have decided to go our separate ways. Breakups are never easy, but I'll always be grateful for the laughs, the adventures, and the memories (especially the dance routines).
He continued: "She's an amazing woman and I've got nothing but love and respect for her."
The statement concluded: "I'll be keeping busy with work, boxing, dancing, and working with the team on FINT. Lots of love, Curtis x"
The former couple made it to the final of the second All Stars series in January this year.
The pair have continually prompted split rumours, with claims first starting to swirl after they spent Easter apart.
Recently, the Turkish actress and TV star sparked suggestions they'd broken up after she was seen arriving at the TV Baftas in London solo - despite the fact the professional dancer was in the city at the time.
Yet their passionate display at Curtis ' professional boxing debut on a Misfits card seemed to set the record straight.
The pair also found themselves in the midst of a bizarre feud with MAFS star Georges Berthonneau.
He previously claimed Ekin-Su "cheated" on him and said they were dating before she returned to Love Island.
Georges, 32, claimed he was in a secret 10-month relationship with Ekin when she entered the All Stars villa this year.
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