Michael Owen admits he's glad Gemma 'didn't disgrace' family in Love Island

His daughter finished in second place

Author: Alex RossPublished 9th Aug 2022

Former footballer Michael Owen kept pretty quiet whilst his daughter Gemma Owen was inside the Love Island villa, but after she returned home to the UK last week, he's not been shy in expressing his pride.

After finishing in second place behind winners Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu and Davide Sanclimenti, Gemma and her partner Luca Bish appeared on Good Morning Britain this week, where they spoke about their experience in the villa.

Speaking about her dad's opinion on her appearance, Gemma told Richard Madeley and 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."

After the final on Monday 1st August, former England player Michael took to his Instagram page to express his pride. Alongside a photo of the pair together, Michael wrote: 'What a special girl. So proud of you, @gemowen_1 Now get home as we’ve all missed you.' (sic)

Michael and his wife Louise also hosted a welcome home party for Gemma over the weekend, in the grounds of their stunning £4 million home, Lower Soughton Hall.

Gemma's closest family and friends were in attendance at the party, and the Owen family even purchased a yellow beanbag to make Gemma feel right at home.

Sharing photos from the big day, Michael wrote on Instagram: 'Welcome home @gemowen_1 it’s good to have you back!'. (sic)

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.

Despite Luca admitting he was keen to make Gemma his official girlfriend once the pair had left the villa, Gemma revealed on the show that they still have no label on their romance.

She told the hosts: "I mean we’re pretty much official, we’ve just not got a label on it. That’s up to Luca."

The fishmonger later declared: "I will do it."

Now read:

TWO series of Love Island confirmed for 2023

Love Island's Jacques makes a dig at Paige and Adam's relationship

Love Island's Adam Collard responds to Paige Thorne split rumours

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