After weeks of rumours and speculation, TV's worst kept secret was revealed on Monday, when Gemma Owen was unveiled as one of the contestants on this year's series of Love Island.
The eldest child of former footballer Michael Owen teased that she will be "fun, flirty and fiery" throughout her stint on the ITV2 series, ahead of the addictive dating show returning to our screens on Monday 6 June.
Speaking ahead of the launch next week, Gemma, 19, discussed things that give her "the ick" in relationships - confessing that bad hygiene and a potential partner who doesn't "look after themselves" are her turn-offs.
The dressage rider looks set to provide some entertaining moments when she steps into the iconic villa for a long, hot summer next week, but what did Gemma's life look like before she became one of the ten new hopefuls looking for love on TV?
Famous family and dressage career
Following in the footsteps of the likes of Dani Dyer and Tommy Fury, Gemma has already had a taste of fame thanks to a very famous relative.
BT Sports pundit Michael shares four children with childhood sweetheart Louise Bonsall - including future Love Island star Gemma.
Speaking in her interview ahead of entering the villa, Gemma gave her famous dad a shout out as she discussed how she'll tackle the dating game.
"Sport has always been a big thing for me and my family. My dad was a professional football player," Gemma explained ahead of the show's launch.
"I’ve competed for Great Britain in dressage since I was 11-years-old. I’ve travelled all across Europe competing in big arenas in big competitions.
"I would say I’m very competitive. [When it comes to relationships] I will always go for what I want."
Gemma has ridden horses since a young age, and currently competes as an international dressage rider for Great Britain on her horse, Sirius Black (nicknamed ‘Siz’).
The future islander most recently competed at the 2021 European Championships.
Dad Michael is yet to publicly acknowledge his daughter's perusal of a career on reality TV.
Swimwear line
Love Island are shunning fast-fashion this year - with eBay being announced as the official sponsor and villa supplier earlier this month - but Gemma may not need any new bikinis during her stint on the show, thanks to her very own lucrative business.
The celebrity offspring, 19, is the owner of OG Beachwear - a swimwear line described as "luxury quality swimwear, ethically made to last."
The brand's Instagram account currently has close to 5,000 followers since their launch in February, but that's sure to jump up as Gemma models her own designs in the Love Island villa.
It's thought that ITV2 bosses tempted the teenager to sign up for this year's series, telling her it would present an opportunity for her to promote her beachwear business.
"Weeks spent lounging about in a bikini is going to give her beachwear line the sort of boost most firms can only dream about," a source revealed prior to Gemma being officially announced as a Love Island contestant.
Influencer lifestyle
While her time on Love Island will undoubtedly give Gemma's Instagram following a boost, the love-seeking singleton is already living the influencer lifestyle most contestants enjoy after the show.
With almost 50,000 followers prior to being confirmed as part of this year's line-up, the teenager's social media account is already filled with snaps from lavish holidays and luxurious meals out across the country.
Gemma recently enjoyed a trip to Dubai - a favourite with reality TV stars - where she showed off her athletic figure in tiny bikinis and sipped cocktails by the pool.
The soon-to-be reality TV star already has plenty of celebrity followers too - with last year's Love Island stars Liam Reardon and Brad McClelland just two famous names amongst her 48,000 following.
Love Island snub
When rumours began to circulate that Gemma was heading into the villa earlier this year, it seemed the speculation could be false - thanks to the equestrian seemingly snubbing the ITV2 weeks earlier.
"I watch [Love Island] every summer but right now it's not something I would consider doing because I am not looking for love at the moment," the star told the Daily Mail during an interview in March.
Gemma added that some of the challenges on the reality show are "quite out there," which could be an issue for her.
"I'm not sure I would be able to kiss 10 boys in a row but I do think it's a great show," she also told the outlet during her chat.
"Boys aren't on the cards right now."
After her unveiling on Monday, it seems boys are on the cards once again now!
Earning her own money
Gemma may have a multi-millionaire former footballer as a dad, but the Love Island star has always had to earn her own money it seems.
Former England striker Michael has previously told his kids to go work at a "pub down the road" if they're after a bit of extra cash.
Speaking on the Walk The Dog podcast regarding his kids, the former Liverpool FC star said: "It's really difficult from a parent's point of view. You want to give your children the best start and the best chance.
"But you're always wrestling with the fact that if I just make it so easy, and I can do this and do that, is she going to learn from any mistakes? You want money that much - there's a pub down the road, go and work behind the bar or something. That's my view."
Gemma seems to have taken her dad's advice, already owning her own swimwear business whilst still in her teens and competing in in dressage since she was just 11-years-old.
And when the talented teen returns home from her Love Island stint later this summer, Gemma will surely be greeted with a whole host of exciting new work opportunities to take advantage of - meaning dad Michael probably won't be dealing for any cash requests any time soon.
*Love Island starts at 9pm next Monday (June 6) on ITV2 and ITV Hub. Episodes are available the following morning on BritBox.
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