Love Island's Gemma Owen turns 21 with jaw-dropping celebrations as dad Michael Owen pays tribute
Love Island star Gemma Owen has celebrated turning 21 as her famous dad paid a gushing tribute.
Gemma is the daughter of footballer Michael Owen and found fame herself when she starred on the 2022 series of Love Island. Gemma went all the way to the final as she placed in second alongside ex Luca Bish, now 24. At the time, the TV star caused controversy as she was just 19 years old.
Dad Michael kicked off his daughter’s birthday celebrations as he shared a sweet photo of them together with his wife Louise. The former Liverpool legend wrote: “Extremely proud of you @gemowen_1 Happy 21st Birthday.” Gemma replied: “Thank you,” following by a kissing face emoji.
Michael and Gemma Owen
Gemma Owen’
She has been celebrating in style as she flew out to Doha, Qatar for the occasion. The reality star shared stunning photos of her luxury hotel alongside a snap of herself enjoying a slice of birthday cake. Gemma was then treated to even more sweet treats as she received a cake in the shape of the number 21 alongside her birthday cards.
Earlier in the week, Gemma shared a look at her luxury flight as she told fans: “I am so excited to be visiting Qatar for the first time. I’ve loved joining with @qatarairways for this trip and the airline recognised as having the best business class in the world definitely didn’t disappoint. In flight luxury at its finest!”
Gemma and Luca were paired together on Love Island in 2022 but lost out to eventual winners Davide Sanclimenti and Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu. But Gemma and Luca’s love was not to last – as they split up in November 2022 after three months of dating in the outside world. The split was said to have come as no surprise to the couple.
Gemma Owen’
Gemma Owen’
A source told the MailOnline at the time: “In no way was Luca blindsided, they’d been on the rocks for quite a few weeks. They’d nearly split up quite a few times before this. Cracks had been forming the past few weeks, they brushed it over. They tried to go to Dubai to see if it would help but things didn’t change.”
Before entering Love Island, Gemma explained why she was taking part, saying: “I am open to finding love, I’m wanting to have a really fun summer. I was seeing someone and then that didn’t work out so I thought, ‘Why not?’ …
“I would say I’m fun, flirty and fiery. I think I’m good at giving advice, I’m a good person to talk to, I’m very honest. If I want the same guy, I’d do it but in a nice respectful way.” Gemma was linked to rap star Bugzy Malone and rugby ace Jacques O’Neill around the time of her Love Island fame. Last year, she was also said to have been close to the son of boxing champ Prince Naseem Hamed, Aadam Hamed.
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