Love Island: Luca's family release statement over 'controlling' behaviour claims
He's head over heels for Gemma Owen
It's now been one month since fishmonger Luca Bish entered the Love Island villa and it's not taken him long to seemingly fall head over heels with 19-year-old Gemma Owen, who of course is the daughter of former footballer Michael Owen.
23-year-old Luca has been very open about his feelings towards Gemma, confessing to the boys and his BFF Jacques O'Neill that he's 'falling hard' for the brunette beauty.
Despite showing his emotions, a number of Love Island viewers have dubbed Luca's behaviour as 'controlling', with many calling him 'needy' and 'obsessed' online.
Following Monday night's episode (27th June), which saw Gemma and Luca fall out after Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu fabricated Gemma's head turn comments, Luca's family have released a statement.
Admitting how proud they are of him, the message reads: 'Could not be more proud of our boy if we tried. Such a huge shame to see the stigma surrounding men being transparent with their emotions.. he’s expressed how into Gemma he is, and it’s taken as controlling?
'He’s THE funniest and most caring kid we know and we will forever be proud at how much he’s wearing his heart on his sleeve. He promised us he’d be his beautiful self and play no game, and he’s sticking to his word. You are making your family so proud our Luca. Thank you for all of the lovely messages #LEMMA ❤️🫶'. (sic)
Fans were quick to share their support after seeing the message.
One wrote: 'Most genuine and funniest guy in there, love the way he is with Gemma shows how much he cares for her😢🙌❤️ Luca and Gemma to win🤞🏼'. (sic)
Another then added: 'Definitely not controlling more men should be like this! He knows what he wants and is loyal 💯💖'. (Sic)
A third commented: 'Period. End this stigma around men being able to express their emotions', with a fourth writing: 'Luca is not controlling at all he is just really passionate about his feeling towards Gemma ❤️❤️'. (sic)
Check out which Love Island stars have dated cast from other series:
Luke Mabbott and Lucie Donlan
In July 2020, Winter Love Island star Luke Mabbott and Love Island 2019 star Lucie Donlan announced they were dating! The pair grew close during lockdown and in July then enjoyed a lovely little UK getaway together!
Luke M's Love Island BFF Luke T told the Mail Online, "I was asking him about it for weeks but he just told me last weekend. He's been cool, I think they're well suited and I'm happy for them. Hopefully they last."
Well, the pair certainly have lasted! They continue to flood social media on the daily with cute snaps together, looking VERY loved-up.
Wes Nelson and Arabella Chi
Despite leaving the Love Island 2018 villa with Megan Barton-Hanson, the pair split in March 2019, with 2019 Islander Arabella Chi catching Wes' eye on the show.
When Arabella left the villa, the pair enjoyed a number of dates before going official in August 2019.
Although the pair moved in together, just nine months after they went official, reports suggested that Wes and Arabella had split in April 2020.
Kaz Crossley and Theo Campbell
Following Love Island 2018 star Kaz Crossley's split from fellow Islander Josh Denzel, Kaz started dating 2017 star Theo Campbell.
The couple made things official and later attended events together, enjoyed a number of holidays and looking very loved-up.
Kaz Crossley and Theo Campbell
In August 2019, Kaz proved her love for her man by flying out to Ibiza after Theo lost the sight in his right eye following an accident involving a champagne cork.
Admitting how 'proud' she was of his bravery following the accident, Kaz wrote, 'It's been a hard 24 hours no one here speaks English and he was taken for hours at one point and I had no clue he was in surgery again. I've stayed in his room over night and just want to take him home. He's so brave and positive hopefully it will get better thanks for your kind messages.'
However, in February 2021, Theo confirmed the pair have now split, admitting he got 'slinged'.
Michael Griffiths and Ellie Brown
Love Island 2019 star Michael Griffiths seemed to confirm he was dating 2018 Ellie Brown after the pair both appeared on Celebrity Ex On The Beach. The former fireman even called Ellie 'the one'.
However, just hours later, Ellie denied the reports, admitting they only posted the photo to promote the show.
Joanna Chimonides and Jack Fowler
After Joanna Chimonides was brutally dumped from the Love Island villa in 2019, fans of the show were left in shock when she was met at the airport by Love Island 2018 hunk Jack Fowler.
Joanna Chimonides and Jack Fowler
Joanna was quick to clear up the rumours, revealing she's been pals with Jack for a number of years.
However, fast forward to August 2024, and Joanna and Jack were spotted looking very cosy on a boat trip in Italy. The pair are yet to confirm if they are dating.
Max Morley and Laura Anderson
Although Max Morley won Love Island 2015 alongside Jessica Hayes, the pair split shortly after leaving the villa and Max more or less removed himself from the spotlight.
That was until he started dating Love Island 2018 star Laura Anderson, with the pair posting cute snaps together on Instagram.
Max Morley and Laura Anderson
Things all ended in sadness though! Just a few months after enjoying a holiday in Barbados, Laura and Max split amidst cheating fears, with Laura blocking her former beau on Instagram.
Laura went on to date Dane Bowers and Gary Lucy, and now she's a proud mum!
Kendall Rae-Knight and Kem Cetinay
Love Island 2017 winner Kem Cetinay and 2018 Islander Kendall Rae-Knight were spotted on a 'date' in 2021, with the pair even sharing a kiss!
However, speaking to heat on Love Island: Under the Duvet, Kendall revealed the pair were just friends, saying, "Aaaah, yeah, we're just friends."
Antigoni Buxton and Jack Fowler
Antigoni Buxton is in the Love Island 2022 villa now, but before entering she dated 2018 Islander Jack Fowler for a number of months.
Despite the slightly awkward situation of Gemma's ex-boyfriend Jacques also being in the villa, the boys have formed a very unlikely bond, with Luca confessing his feelings for Gemma during last night's show.
Speaking to Jacques, who is also very smitten with fellow Islander Paige Thorne, Luca said: "I'm falling for Gem big time, mate."
When Jacques said: "Yeah, I'm the same though, so don't worry," Luca added: "Mate, I'm like falling."
Love Island continues every night at 9pm on ITV2.
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