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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Katie Fitzpatrick

ITV Love Island's Gemma 'feels sick' as host Laura Whitmore says Luca looks like her dad Michael Owen

Love Island fans were stunned by a remark made by host Laura Whitmore while interviewing runners-up Gemma Owen and Luca Bish on Sunday night's reunion show. Nineteen-year-old dressage rider Gemma found love with fishmonger Luca, 23, during their two months in the famous villa in Mallorca.

The couple fell for each other early on in the ITV2 dating contest after Luca was originally coupled with Paige Thorne and Gemma was paired with Liam Llewellyn then 'Italian snack' Davide Sanclimenti. The pair came second in the popular show after Manchester business owner Davide and actress Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu from Essex.

Quizzed about their relationship after show ended on Monday night Gemma told Laura that they had gone from strength to strength. And then there was an awkward moment as Laura asked if Luca had met her dad former Liverpool, Manchester United and England footballer Michael Owen yet.

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"Not yet. We've had a little FaceTime together," replied Luca. And Laura had viewers reeling as she made a comment about Luca and pundit Michael looking alike, asking Luca: "Was it like looking at yourself in the future?"

Gemma said "I can't see it" before telling Laura that the thought made her feel "a little bit sick." @Aisliiing tweeted: "Is that Laura making another joke that Luca is like Gemma’s dad?? I’m going to have to Ofcom her again."

Luca and Gemma found love in the sun (ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

@AimeeJasmine5 pleaded: "Laura PLEASE do not bring up the Oedipus complex." @_Martheline complained: "Laura’s questions are so dead asking her about Luca looking like her dad seriously."

@beepbeepbo0p remarked: "First asking Tasha and Andrew if they've f****d, then making Gemma feel uncomfy by comparing Luca to her dad.. all on national TV." @f1tzsaz gasped: "Why did Laura bring that up to Gemma and Luca that he looks like her DAD."

Gemma was then asked if Luca's surname has grown on her yet and she said she make a change if they got married. "It has grown on me," she told Laura. "I still don't love it but it's okay. If we got married I'd have to be Gemma Owen-Bish."

Gemma with her dad after returning home from Love Island (Instagram/themichaelowen)

Proud dad Michael shared a photo sitting with Gemma on the 'dreaded yellow bean bag which she has brought home with her - as both beamed on the lawn of the family's £4m mansion. And Michael shared his relief at finally having Gemma home again. He captioned the photos saying: "Welcome home @Gemowen_1 it's good to have you back."

Love Island contestants had a theory for figuring out who would be next to be dumped from the villa using the bright yellow beanbag. It was a seat that none of the Islanders wanted to use in fear of it bringing them bad luck.

On the spin-off show Unseen Bits narrator Ian Stirling described it as "the curse of the yellow bean bag." Davide sat on the beanbag before a night of drama erupted with his partner. But the item has now taken pride of place on the expertly-manicured lawn of the Owen family grounds at Lower Soughton Hall in Mold, North Wales.

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