Everything you need to know about Love Island star Gemma Owen

Her career is thriving since leaving the villa!

Author: Alex RossPublished 19th May 2023

After months of rumours that she was set to enter the villa, Gemma Owen took part in series eight of Love Island in 2022 at just 19-years-old, going on to become one of the most popular Islanders of the series! Now back in the UK and making millions, here's everything you need to know about the Islander.

Despite having to deal with her ex-boyfriend arriving as a bombshell, Gemma found love with fishmonger Luca Bish, with the pair making it all the way to the final. Sadly, they split in November, just three months after officially becoming boyfriend and girlfriend.

Who is Gemma Owen?

Gemma Owen was a contestant on the eighth series of Love Island, which aired in the Summer of 2022.

Gemma is also the daughter of former England footballer Michael Owen, and she's an International Dressage Rider who has competed on the world stage representing Great Britain.

How old is Gemma?

Gemma is now 20-years-old.

When is her birthday?

Gemma was born on 1st May 2003, meaning she turns the big 2-1 in May 2024!

Who is Gemma Owen's dad?

If you don't know by now, Gemma Owen is the daughter of former Premier League and England International footballer Michael Owen.

Although Gemma didn't mention her famous father too much during her time in the Love Island villa, Michael did express his pride after the final. He wrote on Instagram: 'What a special girl. So proud of you, @gemowen_1 Now get home as we’ve all missed you.' (sic)

Gemma also appeared on Good Morning Britain, where she told host Charlotte Hawkins: "He just says, 'So proud, you didn’t do anything to sort of disgrace us'. He’s happy. Everyone seems just buzzing which is nice."

Check out which other Love Island stars have famous relatives:

Tommy Fury

Tommy appeared on the 2019 series of Love Island, finishing in second place alongside Molly-Mae Hague.

Who is Tommy Fury's brother?

Tommy is the younger brother of two-time world heavyweight champion boxer Tyson Fury!

Scott Thomas

Scott appeared on the second series of Love Island in 2017.

Who is Scott Thomas' brothers?

Scott has not one, but two famous brothers! Ryan Thomas appeared on Coronation Street as the infamous Jason Grimshaw, whilst Adam Thomas is best know for his roles in Emmerdale and Waterloo Road!

Dani Dyer

Dani entered the Love Island villa during series four in 2018, going on to win the show alongside Jack Fincham.

Who is Dani Dyer's dad?

Dani is the daughter of English actor Danny Dyer, who has appeared in shows such as EastEnders, The Football Factory, and presented BBC show The Wall.

Gemma Owen

19-year-old Gemma is a current Islander on the 2022 series of Love Island.

Who is Gemma Owen's dad?

Although it took her a number of weeks to mention it to her fellow Islanders, Gemma is the daughter of former England footballer Michael Owen.

Curtis Pritchard

Dancer Curtis was a popular Islander back in 2019, making it all the way to the final with Maura Higgins.

Who is Curtis Pritchard's brother?

Curtis is the brother of former Strictly Come Dancing professional AJ Pritchard! The pair are the best of friends and even appeared on Hollyoaks together in 2021.

Sophie Piper

Sophie Piper was an original Islander on the sixth series in 2021. She also entered Love Island: All Stars in January 2024 as a bombshell.

Who is Sophie Piper's sister?

Sophie is the younger sister of The Saturdays singer and TV presenter Rochelle Humes.

Jack Keating

Dublin lad Jack entered the Love Island villa during Casa Amor week in 2022.

Who is Jack Keating's dad?

It didn't take long for Jack to reveal his dad is Boyzone singer Ronan Keating, with Ronan even sharing a good luck message for his son.

Belle Hassan

Make-up artist Belle entered the Love Island villa as a bombshell during Casa Amor week in 2019.

Who is Belle Hassan's dad?

Belle's dad is actor Tamer Hassan, best known for his starring roles the films Football Factory and The Business.

Antigoni Buxton

Antigoni entered the Love Island villa as a bombshell during the 2022 series.

Who is Antigoni Buxton's mum?

During her stint in the villa, it was revealed Antigoni is the daughter of TV presenter and restaurateur Tonia Buxton. She also have a very ripped dad, who is a her gym training partner.

Luke Trotman

Luke took part in Winter Love Island in 2020, where he made the final alongside Siânnise Fudge.

Who is Luke Trotman's mum?

Luke is the son of singer Beverley Trotman. Bev appeared on the fourth season of The X Factor in 2007, finishing in sixth place.

Claudia Fogarty

Claudia entered the Winter Love Island villa as a bombshell during series 9 in 2023.

Who is Claudia Fogarty's dad?

Claudia is the daughter of former motorcycle racer Carl 'Foggy' Fogarty MBE, who also won the 14th series of I'm A Celeb in 2014.


Claudia's sister Danielle Fogarty is also in the public eye.

Zachariah Noble

Basketball player Zachariah Noble entered the 2023 Summer Love Island villa as a bombshell on Day One.

Who is Zachariah Noble's sister?

It turns out Zachariah is the younger brother of radio and TV personality Snoochie Shy, who appeared on I'm A Celeb in 2021.

Who is Amber Wise's dad?

Casa Amor bombshell Amber Wise is the daughter of former Premier League footballer Dennis Wise!

Wil Anderson

Quantity Surveyor Wil Anderson entered the villa as a bombshell during series 11 in 2024.

Who is Wil Anderson's brother?

Wil is the younger brother of footballer Elliot Anderson! Elliot played for Newcastle United, before moving to Nottingham Forest F.C. during the 2024 Summer transfer window.

Who is Gemma Owen's mum?

Gemma's mum is Louise Owen, formerly known as Louise Bonsall.

Just like her daughter, Louise is a keen lover of equestrian and she shares the same passion for horses as her daughter. The pair have a really strong and close relationship, with Gemma documenting how important her mum's opinion is to her during her time in the villa.

Louise entered the Love Island villa to visit her daughter and best friend during the iconic Meet the Parents challenge in July 2022, where she also got to meet Luca Bish for the first time.

Where is Gemma from?

Gemma is from Chester, a city in North West England.

She currently lives in the Owen family home called Lower Soughton Hall, a Grade II listed manor house near Mold in North Wales.

How tall is she?

Although she appeared short standing next to the likes of Adam Collard and Davide Sanclimenti in the Love Island villa, Gemma is reportedly 5ft 6 inches tall.

Did Gemma Owen win Love Island?

Despite entering the villa on Day One and being a firm favourite with fans, Gemma and her then-partner Luca Bish finished the series in second place, behind 2022 winners Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu and Davide Sanclimenti.

See the final voting figures below:

WINNERS: Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu and Davide Sanclimenti

63.69% of the vote.

2ND PLACE: Gemma Owen and Luca Bish

14.47% of the vote.

3RD PLACE: Indiyah Polack and Dami Hope

11.77% of the vote.

4TH PLACE: Tasha Ghouri and Andrew Le Page

10.07% of the vote.

Who is she dating?

At the moment, Gemma is not publicly dating anyone... To fans' knowledge, anyway. We do know, however, that she is no longer with her Love Island beau Luca Bish.

In November 2022, Gemma announced her split from Luca, releasing a statement on Instagram which read: 'It wasn't an easy decision but ultimately this is what is best for us both right now.'

Luca replied with his own statement, echoing Gemma's comments but adding that he'd have appreciated "more time" to come to terms with the split on his own: 'I would have liked some time to process this privately but as you all already now know sadly Gemma and I made the mutual decision earlier today to go our separate ways.'

Gemma and 23-year-old Luca coupled up early on in the process, and despite a few minor arguments, the pair were one of the strongest couples throughout the 2022 series.

Is Gemma Owen dating Bugzy Malone?

She is not! Despite reports in a certain newspaper claiming Gemma was dating rapper Bugzy Malone, both parties denied the rumours.

Speaking to Mail Online about the rumours, Gemma said: "I have never met or spoken to him and we don't follow each other on social media. I am not dating and I am definitely single.

"Just after Christmas, I had much needed time with my family and friends and I am working on myself. I am not going to date anytime soon and I'm not looking.

"On a personal level, I want to work on my happiness and investing time in people close to me, my family and friends and just being content in myself."

32-year-old Bugzy then wrote on social media: '@themichaelowen your daughter looks lovely rkid, but 19 just isn’t my cup of tea or coffee.' (sic)

Who is Gemma Owen's ex-boyfriend?

In a shock twist during the 2022 series of Love Island, Gemma's ex-boyfriend Jacques O'Neill entered as a bombshell.

Despite many thinking things could be awkward between the pair, they seemingly got along as friends, with Jacques even becoming Luca's best mate in the villa.

Speaking to fellow Islander Afia Tonkmor, Gemma revealed she was with Jacques for eight months, with the pair splitting up around a year and half before she entered Love Island.

What did Gemma do for a job before Love Island?

Before entering the Love Island villa, Gemma was an International Dressage Rider and Business Owner of OG BEACHWEAR.

Gemma has represented Great Britain in a number of Dressage competitions, including at the U21 European Championships in 2021.

OG BEACHWEAR is a luxury quality swimwear brand set up by Gemma.

Speaking about her brand, Gemma says: 'In recent years I’ve personally found it difficult to find luxurious and classy swimwear garments that have a luxury feel with a youthful edge and so this was the inspiration to create my label. My aim is to offer a brand that provides luxury, designer quality garments that ooze class with a hint of youth and sexiness. At OG we aim to provide a one stop beachwear shop for men and women to find all holiday resort wear and accessories that encompass the luxury vibe.'

Does she have a Pretty Little Thing deal?

It was announced on Monday 22nd August 2022 that Gemma Owen had signed a deal to work with fashion company Pretty Little Thing!

Taking to their official Instagram Page, PLT bosses wrote: 'IT’S OFFICIAL 😍💕 Welcome to the PLT family @gemowen_1 ✨ We can’t wait to show everyone what we’re working on…👀'.

Just days later, Gemma broke her silence on the deal, writing on Instagram: 'I am beyond excited to announce that I am now a @prettylittlething Brand Ambassador.

'I honestly feel truly flattered to have been approached by @umarkamani It means a great deal to me that he trusts me to be a positive role model to PLT customers and an ambassador to his hugely successful brand.

'PLT is a brand that I have followed the success of for many years. I’m a PLT customer, it’s been my ‘go-to’ brand in many instances.

'It feels like a dream to be able to help design and create my own collections with PLT and I can’t wait to get started working with the talented team at the PLT HQ that have already made me feel so welcome.

'Thank you all for your support, without you guys this would never have been possible! I have lots of ideas and I can’t wait to share the journey with you all 🤍'. (sic)

Gemma's full collection then dropped on Tuesday 17th January 2023.

Gemma released another collection with PLT, announcing the news in March 2023! She took to Instagram to gush over the new range: 'Verified In love with my NEW EDIT with @prettylittlething that is NOW LIVE!! So amazing shooting this in Sicily with the incredible team… love you all 🤍 SHOP NOW 🦄.'

What else does she do now?

As well as lucrative brand deals following her appearance on Love Island, Gemma announced in May 2023 that she is now an ambassador for Fight For Sight UK. In a heartfelt Instagram post, she revealed how the charity was close to her heart due to her brother having rare genetic disease called Stargardt Disease.

Sharing a sweet photo of her and her brother James, Gemma wrote: 'When my brother James was around 8yo he was diagnosed with a rare genetic disease called Stargardt Disease. This condition progressively deteriorates vision from the macula and currently there is no cure or treatment.

'Having closely witnessed how sight loss has affected him personally, I am honoured to announce that I am now an ambassador for @fightforsightuk

'This UK charity is funding research into the prevention and treatment of blindness and eye disease and has a special place in all of my family’s heart. I’m looking forward to working with them to help raise funds and awareness for research and developments in treatments for people with Stargardt Disease and other conditions causing blindness ❤️'.

Where is Gemma's gold necklace from?

If you watched Love Island, you know doubt spotted Gemma's X chocka necklace, which she wore throughout the show at all times.

According to reports, the necklace was designed in the 1980s and is a vintage Tiffany & Co x Schlumberger piece worth around £20,000. Although you can no longer buy the item, the matching sixteen stone ring is still available to buy from Tiffany & Co.

Gemma has since collaborated with jewellery company Abbott Lyon, producing very similar-looking pieces of jewellery with the X design. On working with the brand, Gemma said: 'Jewellery is part of my identity, I wear it every single day. Designing a collection with Abbott Lyon has been a dream.

'From the start to finish I've been totally involved in the design process - from sketches, to choosing the materials and packaging. I knew Abbott Lyon was the only brand I could trust to bring my vision to life.'

Although it is unclear which exact necklace she wore on Love Island, you can check out her collection here!

What happened to Gemma's horse?

Gemma's beloved horse Sirius sadly passed away suddenly on Friday 3rd February 2023. Gemma paid tribute to the 'horse of a lifetime in a heartbreaking tribute on Instagram.

Sharing a montage alongside Sirius, Gem wrote: 'On Friday we lost my horse of a lifetime due to a sudden and severe illness💔 words can’t describe how much this horse meant to me and my family, he was truly one in a million 😓 everyone who met Siz will know how amazing and caring his temperament was. He was taken far too soon, he has left us all heartbroken and in complete shock.

'You taught me so much siz and I will never be able to thank you enough, you brought so much joy and happiness to our lives and you’ll never be replaced. I love you endlessly 💔'. (sic)

What is Gemma Owen's Instagram?

You can follow Gemma Owen's personal account on Instagram at: gemowen_1

You can follow Gemma Owen's Equestrian account on Instagram at: gemowendressage_

Now read:

Love Island bosses tease potential 'All Stars' series

TWO series of Love Island confirmed for 2023

How to follow the Love Island 2022 cast on Instagram

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