James Argent and Love Island's Ekin-Su Culculoglu deny they're dating after 'secret snog' reports

Former TOWIE star James 'Arg' Argent and Love Island's Ekin-Su Culculoglu have denied reports that they are dating.

A source told OK!: "James and Ekin share the same management team so it's inevitable that they'd be linked, but both have denied a romance.

"Sadly, the pair are no strangers to people trying to make a quick buck out of them, and it looks like this is another case of somebody trying to sell out on the pair.

"Ekin-Su has been keeping a low profile since CBB but is set to lift the lid soon on what she has been up to. There's some big revelations coming, and some exciting projects that will be coming in the summer. She is finally going to tell her truth.

"The team are channeling their inner Wagatha Christie and trying to find out who is selling out on Ekin-Su. And they're pretty sure they know who it is.

"Ekin-Su and James are friends, and have had a little laugh to themselves about the story. They both remain single. There are a small number of people who were told about a drunken snog, so everybody is getting closer to the source of the leaks."

A spokesperson confirmed to OK!: "The pair both deny dating claims, and continue to be represented by the same manager."

The denial comes after Mail Online reported that the pair, who both live in Essex, have been spending time at each other's houses, as romance is reported to have blossomed after Arg, 36, supported Ekin-Su, 29, following the backlash she received following her Celebrity Big Brother stint earlier this year.

A source said: "James lives close to Ekin, they are practically neighbours – so when she needed a friend after Celebrity Big Brother, he was there for her," explained the insider.

"Their friendship developed into something stronger and they started to spend more time together, even passionately kissing.

"It's still early days and they both appreciate they need to take it slow, having come out of high-profile relationships in the past six months… but there's no denying the feelings and chemistry between them."

Ekin-Su's last relationship was with Davide Sanclimenti, who she met on Love Island in 2022. The pair won the show and went on to move in together, before splitting and then getting back together.

They split again in January of this year, with Ekin-Su confirming the breakup on social media, as told fans she'd "made the decision" to end the relationship after a "rollercoaster of ups and downs".

Meanwhile, Arg was in a relationship with from Stella Turian, 19, up until last November.

Earlier this year, Ekin-Su quickly went from being a fan favourite to one of the most criticised contestants on the reality TV show, Celebrity Big Brother. Upon her eviction from the house, she was interviewed on CBB spin-off Late & Live, with viewers criticising the panellists for the way they spoke to her.

Following a social media break, she shared a post after the CBB final, where she finally addressed her time on the show and said she'd been taking time to "reflect". Ekin-Su candidly opened up about not feeling like herself and said she is excited for "growth and full healing".

"Just a little message to say hi," she wrote on Instagram alongside a carousel of photographs of herself. "Thank you once more for all your kindness. Took some time off to reflect, recharge and restore which I'm still very much doing but I’ll need to be back online for work purposes especially. Thanks to the brands who I work with who have respected my boundaries and shown compassion and love during the past year."

She continued: "Haven’t felt myself for a long time, and I’ve realised i had kind of lost myself and for a while didn’t know who I was beyond being defined by ex relationships or TV shows, and that needs to change! I am so excited for all the growth and full healing.

"CBB was the final lightbulb moment to make me realise what needs to be done. Embracing the fresh start to a new month and new era…. Wishing everyone an April full of possibilities. I am so grateful for each one of you."

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