Michael Owen hits back at Love Island fans who dub Gemma 'rude'
He's defended his daughter
We are only one week into Love Island, but already the 2022 series is revolving heavily around 19-year-old Gemma Owen, the daughter of former professional footballer Michael Owen.
It's been a busy week for Gemma, after the public chose her to couple up with Liam Llewellyn on Day 1, she was then won over by Italian bombshell Davide Sanclimenti, before realising she had a better connection with fishmonger Luca Bish.
Then, just when things seemed to be going well between her and Luca, bosses sent in Gemma's ex-boyfriend Jacques O’Neill on Sunday night's show.
After a number of Love Island viewers called for the show's age limit to be raised, and many dubbed Gemma's actions 'rude', her dad Michael has now hit back, defending his eldest daughter.
Speaking to Mail Online, Michael admitted his wife Louise gets upset reading negative comments about her daughter.
He told the publication: "Louise has been very upset about it. You can say, 'don’t read it' but that’s very difficult.
"I know she’s been used to that sort of thing with me — I’ve had it all my life; to look at my social media feeds you’d think 70 per cent of the world hates me, but it’s different when it’s your daughter. For Louise it’s more difficult."
Speaking about the negativity, Michael went on to reveal the comments about her personality get to him the most, saying: "Personality. She’s the most amazing girl you could meet.
"She’s clever and funny and kind. She’s not two-faced. She’s loyal, a decent person."
Michael, who is also a proud dad to 16-year-old James, 14-year-old Emily, and 12-year-old Jessica, later added: "She’s still our baby. I’m still my parents’ baby and I’m 42! It’s how it is."
Follow this year's Love Island cast on Instagram:
Paige Thorne
Age: 24
From: Swansea
Occupation: Paramedic
Instagram: paigethornex
Dami Hope
Age: 26
From: Dublin
Occupation: Senior Microbiologist
Instagram: damihope
Indiyah Polack
Age: 23
From: London
Occupation: Hotel Waitress
Instagram: 1ndiyah
Liam Llewellyn
Age: 22
From: Newport, South Wales
Occupation: Masters Student (Strength and Conditioning)
Instagram: liamllew_
Tasha Ghouri
Age: 23
From: Thirsk
Occupation: Model and Dancer
Instagram: tashaghouri
Davide Sanclimenti
Age: 27
From: Rome, Italy (Lives in Manchester)
Occupation: Business Manager
Instagram: davidesancli
Gemma Owen
Age: 19
From: Chester
Occupation: International Dressage Rider and Business Owner
Instagram: gemowendressage_ and gemowen_1
Ikenna Ekwonna
Age: 23
From: Nottingham
Occupation: Pharmaceutical Sales
Instagram: ikenna._
Andrew Le Page
Age: 27
From: Guernsey
Occupation: Real Estate Agent
Instagram: andrewlepage
Amber Beckford
Age: 24
From: London
Occupation: Nanny
Instagram: amberbeckford
Luca Bish
Age: 23
From: Brighton
Occupation: Fishmonger
Instagram: lucabish
Afia Tonkmor
Age: 25
From: London
Occupation: Lounge Host at a Private Members Club
Instagram: afiatonkmor
Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu
Age: 27
From: Essex
Occupation: Actress
Instagram: ekinsuofficial
Jacques O’Neill
Age: 23
From: Cumbria
Occupation: Professional Rugby League Player
Instagram: jacques9oneill_
Jay Younger
Age: 28
From: Edinburgh
Occupation: Investment Analyst
Instagram: jayyounger_
Remi Lambert
Age: 22
From: Manchester
Occupation: Model
Instagram: remilambo
Danica Taylor
Age: 21
From: Leicester
Occupation: Dancer
Instagram: _danicataylor
Antigoni Buxton
Age: 26
From: Cyprus/London
Occupation: Singer/songwriter
Instagram: antigoni
Charlie Radnedge
Age: 28
From: London
Occupation: Real Estate Development
Instagram: charlieradnedge
Jazmine Nichol
Age: 21
From: Newcastle
Occupation: Nightclub Manager
Instagram: jazminejaynenichol
Chyna Mills
Age: 23
From: Leeds
Occupation: Youth Support Worker
Instagram: chymills_
Summer Botwe
Age: 23
From: Hertfordshire
Occupation: Events Decor Business Co-owner
Instagram: summerbotwe
Coco Lodge
Age: 27
From: Surrey
Occupation: Graphic designer/ring girl/shot girl
Instagram: coco_lodge
Cheyanne Kerr
Age: 23
From: Barnsley
Occupation: Cabin Crew
Instagram: cheyannekerr_
Mollie Salmon
Age: 23
From: Southampton
Occupation: Make-up artist
Instagram: mollie_salmon
Josh Samuel Le Grove
Age: 22
From: Essex
Occupation: Model
Instagram: josh_legrove
Samuel Agbiji
Age: 22
From: Manchester
Occupation: Model
Instagram: samuelagbiji
Billy Brown
Age: 23
From: Surrey
Occupation: Roofing Company Director
Instagram: billybrown11
Jack Keating
Age: 23
From: Dublin
Occupation: Social Media Marketing
Instagram: jackkeating11
George Tasker
Age: 23
From: Cotswolds
Occupation: Labourer
Instagram: georgetasker__
Deji Adeniyi
Age: 25
From: Bedford
Occupation: Accounts Manager
Instagram: deji.adeniyi
Adam Collard
Age: 26
From: Newcastle
Occupation: Personal Trainer/Former Islander
Instagram: adamcollard
Lacey Edwards
Age: 25
From: Swindon
Occupation: Professional Dancer
Instagram: layedwards
Jamie Allen
Age: 27
From: Preston
Occupation: Professional Footballer
Instagram: jamie_allen12
Nathalia Campos
Age: 23
From: Brazil
Occupation: Operations Manager/Content Creator
Instagram: nathaliaxcampos
Reece Ford
Age: 23
From: Coventry
Occupation: Model
Instagram: _reeceford
It's set to be another busy week in the villa for Gemma. On Sunday night's show she was left in shock when her 23-year-old ex-boyfriend Jacques O’Neill entered as the latest bombshell.
Despite enjoying two dates with singletons Paige Thorne and Afia Tonkmor, Jacques later pulled Gemma for a slightly awkward chat, leaving Luca Bish feeling VERY vulnerable.
However, it also looks like Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu is interested in new boy Jacques, despite her recent coupling with Davide.
Despite a slow start, it's fair to say the drama is well and truly heating up!
Love Island continues every night at 9pm on ITV2.
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