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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Dianne Bourne

Michael Owen hosts homecoming party for daughter Gemma after Love Island - and jaws are dropping at "amazing" mansion

England football legend Michael Owen shared his joy at having daughter Gemma back from Love Island - with a welcome home party 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.

He 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 £4mn mansion. 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."

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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.

Gemma posing in the 'cursed' beanbag (Gemma Owen/Instagram)

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 at Lower Soughton Hall in Mold, North Wales, 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 Owen shared photos of the welcome home party for daughter Gemma on Instagram (Instagram/themichaelowen)

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".

Michael Owen shared a glimpse of the homecoming celebrations at his stunning mansion home (Instagram/themichaelowen)

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.

Love Island contestants Luca Bish and Gemma Owen a (PA)

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".

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