Michael Owen has broken his silence after daughter Gemma made her Love Island debut
(Picture: Michael Owen / Instagram)Michael Owen looked mortified after being introduced as "the father of Love Island’s Gemma Owen" on live TV ahead of England’s match against Germany.
The former England footballer was working as a pundit for Channel 4’s coverage the day after his daughter made her debut on the ITV2 dating show and his co-stars couldn’t resist a cheeky remark.
Just seconds into the broadcast for the Nations League fixture, presenter Jules Breach said: "The father of Love Island’s Gemma Owen, Michael Owen here with us, a big night for the Owen’s last night, how are you feeling?"
Holding his head in his hands, Owen replied: "Jules, I came all the way to Germany to try and avoid all that back home, but it has been brought up straight away.
"But I am feeling alright thank you. This is taking my mind off it so don’t bring it back up."
His 19-year-old daughter admitted prior to going into the villa that her dad is far from happy about her being on Love Island.
Speaking to ITV News earlier this week, he said: "I have no doubts that she will make us all proud. It’s probably a father’s worst nightmare, but whatever she wants to do. You’ve got to be supportive.
"It’s been different without her in the house. I’ve got other kids and my wife, and it’s been quite tough because she’s had to switch her phone off and we’ve had no contact for a couple of weeks so that’s been the hard bit.”
He added: “I’ve heard a lot about it. I think old, grumpy men like me will always have an opinion on it because I don’t watch it and you just hear the snippets, but she assures me that it’s not as bad as I think. So, we’ll give it a watch and I hope she enjoys herself."
The rising star has divided viewers so far with her appearance on the show.
In Tuesday’s episode, she was delighted to be recoupled with the gorgeous so-called “Italian stallion” Davide Sanclimenti.
Sparks have been flying between the duo after Mr Sanclimenti was given 24 hours to make a choice on which girl he would like to couple up with.
