Michael Owen ‘proud’ of daughter Gemma despite skipping Love Island parents’ episode

Former footballer Michael Owen has said he is “really proud” of his daughter Gemma Owen following her time on Love Island.

Gemma, 19, was told how her famous dad felt as she reunited with her mum, Louise, on Sunday night’s Meet the Parents episode of the reality TV show.

While many fans had speculated Michael, 42, might show up also for the emotional reunion, the former footballer chose to skip the meet-up and pass his message through his wife instead.

Gemma spoke with her mum ahead of the Love Island final on Monday night. Wondering what dad Michael thought of how she’d handled herself in the villa, she asked her mum, who responded: “Honestly, he is really proud of you, really proud.”

Mum Louise added: “They’re all loving watching you, they’re missing you like mad.”

Ex England star Michael shut down rumours he’d be entering the villa for the Meet the Parents episode last month. Speaking on Sky Sports At The Races, he revealed Gemma’s mum would go on without him.

“My wife will do that duty. I’ll represent the horses and she’ll represent the daughter,” Michael confirmed.

He added: “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.”

Gemma’s visit from her mum comes as she later learnt that she and partner Luca Bish had been voted as the least compatible couple by three fellow Islanders. While Luca, 23, didn’t react well, Gemma remained calm hearing the news.

Despite the vote, the couple have made it to the Love Island final and are in with a chance of bagging the winners’ cash prise of £50,000.

The Love Island finals air on Monday night at 9pm.