Love Island star Luca Bish has sealed a return to non-league football by signing for Sussex outfit Hailsham Town.
The 23-year-old became a reality television star over the summer as he appeared on the 2022 edition of the hit ITV show. He immediately struck up a relationship with the daughter of former Liverpool, Manchester United and Real Madrid star Michael Owen, Gemma. The pair lasted the duration of the programme and eventually finished as runners-up to Ekin-Su Culculoglu and Davide Sanclimenti.
Since leaving Love Island, Bish and Owen have become a couple, posting an extravagant video on Instagram which the latter captioned: "Finally official. Thank you @lucabish for such a special night!"
Whilst things have been going well on the romance front, Bish and Owen have been extremely busy after exiting the Love Island villa. The former - a fishmonger from Brighton - has announced a new YouTube channel called ‘The Bish n Chips Show’ and was also handed a role on former Manchester United and Watford goalkeeper Ben Foster’s podcast.
Meanwhile, Gemma has penned a lucrative six-figure deal with fashion retailer PrettyLittleThing - following in the footsteps of fellow Love Island star Molly-Mae Hague. Whilst Bish appears to have got on the right side of Gemma’s dad Michael, he will be hoping to catch his potential future father-in-law’s eyes on the pitch.
What was your highlight of Gemma and Luca in the Love Island villa? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Non-league side Hailsham Town have confirmed that Bish will be plying his trade for them this season and put out a statement on their official Twitter account with a picture of the reality star.
It read: “Delighted to announce a new arrival at The Beaconsfield. Previously with Saltdean United, welcome to the #Stringers Luca Bish!”
Hailsham manager Luke Carter also expressed his delight at securing Bish's services, having previously coached him with Southern Combination Premier Division club Saltdean’s under-23 side.
Taking to Twitter, he wrote: “Buzzing to get this over the line in time for tonight! The boy was on fire for me last season before going on loan to the villa for summer!” Despite the excitement of Bish's signing on Tuesday, Hailsham fell to a 3-2 defeat by Crowborough in the Peter Bentley Cup.
Bish has already been on holiday with the Owen family - including Michael - and Gemma has hailed the trip and how well her new boyfriend got on with her family. Speaking to the Capital Breakfast Show, she said: "It couldn't have gone better, it was so nice. They all got on really well and how he was with my brother and sisters as well."
