Michael Owen hits back at Love Island fans who dub Gemma 'rude'

He's defended his daughter

Author: Alex RossPublished 13th Jun 2022

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.

Now read:

Love Island's Gemma Owen refuses to name drop dad Michael's name

Love Island's Tasha 'secretly dated' Strictly's Giovanni Pernice

Michael Owen breaks silence on daughter Gemma's Love Island appearance

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