English footballing sensation Michael Owen has shared his joy at having daughter Gemma return from Love Island - with a welcome home party hosted at his incredible mansion. Former Liverpool and Manchester United ace Michael was delighted to have Gemma back home after her star appearance in this year's Love Island where she coupled up with Luca Bish.
Poking fun at the show, 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 Welsh £4m mansion near Mold, the MEN reports. And Michael shared his relief at finally having Gemma home after two months away in the famous TV villa. He captioned the photos saying: "Welcome home @Gemowen_1 it's good to have you back."
Read more: The Aberystwyth chicken shop Taron Egerton says is as good as any restaurant in London or Hollywood
Dressage rider Gemma, 19, found love with fishmonger Luca, 23, on the ITV2 dating contest. And Gemma is now looking forward to what lies ahead after arriving back home to her Grade II listed home Lower Soughton Hall. You can see more from inside the Owen family home here.
Supporters are predicting a bright future for the daughter of former footballing star turned pundit Michael after her stint in the famous TV villa. And she thumbed her nose at the so-called bad luck beanbag from the poolside, instead bringing it home with her.
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 Sanclimenti, who went on to win the show with Ekin-Su, sat on the beanbag before a night of drama erupted with his partner.
But the yellow bean bag has now taken pride of place on the expertly-manicured lawn of the Owen family grounds on Saturday for the welcome home bash. Although Michael's followers couldn't help but laugh saying: "Not the yellow bean bag", while td_modeluk posted: "Fabulous young lady, on every level! (Also the yellow bean bag's met its match)".
Michael shared further photos of the barbecue at the party as family and friends milled around the gardens, as well as a Love Island-adorned balloon arch inside the stunning family home. The mansion has been home to Michael and wife Louise Bonsall and their four children since 2001.
And his instagram followers were loving the glimpse into the "amazing" mansion and homecoming party. Writing on Instagram, Carol Graham said: "You have such an amazing home and family", while made_in_newcastle said: "What a lovely homecoming celebration".
Fans are full of praise for how Gemma handled herself in the villa, many messaging Michael to tell him "she did you proud mate".
Sportsman Michael has previously offered a glimpse inside his home during an appearance on Keith Lemon's Through the Keyhole. Cameras were invited inside the home that features equestrian facilities, as well as a putting green, a children’s play area and a home cinema.
The ITV cameras showed viewers through the main entrance and reception room decorated with traditional wooden wall panels and oak wooden flooring. It has its own indoor gym, pool and sauna and also features a huge games room perfect for entertaining which is also home to some of Michael's football memorabilia.
The collection includes a number of signed footballs, trophies, original football shirts and his treasured ballon d'or. The Grade II listed Flintshire manor house is located in Northop near Mold in Wales.
Gemma and Luca came second in the UK's biggest reality dating show, claiming 14.7% of the public vote. It was a huge leap behind this season's winners Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu and Davide Sanclimenti who landed 63.69% of the vote.
Fans have been showing their support for the couple though with thousands of comments on Luca and Gemma's posts since leaving the show as runners-up. One said: "Can't wait to see what this chapter has in store for you!" A second fan said: "My comfort couple" while others gushed, "Gorgeous couple".
READ NEXT:
- All the Love Island 2022 contestants with famous parents
- Love Island: Where are the Welsh contestants now?
-
All the Love Island couples who got married or had babies together
-
Winter Love Island will return in 2023 as ITV announces two series will air
-
How the Love Island mobile phones work and which Islanders get to keep their villa selfies
