Michael Owen reveals why he WON'T be going to Love Island villa for 'meet the parents'
His daughter Gemma Owen is in the villa
Last updated 15th Jul 2022
With the final of Love Island 2022 now just a few weeks away, fans are getting VERY excited for the infamous 'meet the parents' challenge, which sees the Islanders' closest family and friends enter the villa.
It's safe to say viewers have been awaiting the moment all series, in order to see former footballer Michael Owen enter to support his daughter Gemma Owen, and her partner Luca Bish.
But we have bad news for you...
Michael has now confirmed he WON'T be flying over to Mallorca, instead he will stay in the UK with his horses.
Speaking to Sky Sports’ At The Races, moments after watching his horse run, Michael said: “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.”
After entering the villa on Day One, Gemma initially kept quiet about her famous dad, but in recent weeks, the 19-year-old has been having deep conversations about him with Luca.
During the couple's date earlier this week, Luca asked Gem if she thinks he would get along with her dad, to which she replied: “You have got similar humour to my dad to be fair."
Luca then joked: “If only I could kick a ball the same as him!”
Check out which 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!
Meanwhile, it looks like things are getting very serious for Gemma and Luca! Following Thursday night's recoupling, Gemma and Luca declared they love each other on the terrace.
However, despite Andrew Le Page and Tasha Ghouri becoming the first official couple in this year's villa, it sounds like Luca and Gemma won't become official until he's met her mum, which could be very soon!
Although bosses are yet to confirm when the meet the parents challenge will happen, it will be within the next two weeks!
Love Island continues every night at 9pm on ITV2.
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