Michael Owen sends special message to Love Island's Gemma

He didn't enter the villa alongside his wife

Author: Alex RossPublished 1st Aug 2022

Fans were made to wait a little longer this series, but the infamous 'Meet the Parents' challenge finally took place on Love Island last night (Sunday 31st July), with some awkward moments thanks to the Islanders' parents.

As he revealed earlier in the series, former footballer Michael Owen didn't make the trip over to Mallorca to visit his daughter Gemma Owen, instead sending her mum Louise and her trainer Sarah.

But despite not being there in person, Michael sent Gemma a lovely message via his wife, with Louise telling the 19-year-old: "Honestly, he is really proud of you, really proud."

Louise then added: "They’re all loving watching you, they’re missing you like mad."

Michael previously told Sky Sports' At The Races that he wouldn't be going to visit his daughter in the villa.

He said at the time: “My wife will do that duty. I’ll represent the horses and she’ll represent the daughter.

“I don’t know what I’ll get from Box To Box. But I know what I’m going to get from my daughter. I’ve fathered her for 19 years so I’m pretty sure what I’m going to get from her."

Check out all of the Love Island stars with 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.

Meanwhile, despite many fans thinking Gemma's mum would question her partner Luca Bish over his 'protective' and 'obsessed' behaviour over the last eight weeks, it was actually his own parents who brought up the matter.

His mum told him: "Luca, when you come home we will have a chat about it. But do you know what, you've resolved it. That's the main thing. Yeah, you did overstep the mark."

Luca replied: "If I've done wrong then I know it and hearing you two saying it, I know (it) even more."

Following Sunday night's shock exit for Paige Thorne and Adam Collard, four couples will take part in tonight's final, including Gemma and Luca, Tasha and Andrew, Indiyah and Dami, and Ekin-Su and Davide.

The Love Island final takes place at 9pm on ITV2 on Monday 1st August.

Now read:

TWO series of Love Island confirmed for 2023

Love Island's Jacques DELETES all trace of Paige from social media

Love Island's Luca storms away from Gemma after villa row

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