Michael Owen has spoken about his daughter's Love Island appearance after being quizzed about her debut live on television. The former England international was introduced as "the father of Love Island's Gemma Owen " while working as a pundit on Channel 4's coverage of England's match against Germany.
Gemma is a contestant on the new series of the popular ITV2 dating show which returned on Monday, June 6. The 19-year-old entered the villa alongside 11 other Islanders and is currently coupled up with Welsh student Liam Llewellyn from Newport.
Introducing Michael Owen during coverage of the Nations League game on Tuesday night [June 7], presenter Jules Breach said: "Joining me hoping to see another famous win for England tonight in Munich, England and Arsenal midfield Jordan Nobbs, former England, West Ham and Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole and the father of Love Island’s Gemma Owen.
Read more: Who is Liam Llewellyn? Love Island 2022 contestant's age, Instagram and job
Jules continued: "A big night for the Owen's last night Michael, how are you feeling?" Clearly keen to move on, Michael replied: "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. This is taking my mind off it so don't bring it back up."
It comes after Michael told ITV News earlier this month that Gemma appearing on the show was "probably a father's worst nightmare", but said his daughter had reassured him that the show is "not as bad" as he had thought.
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."
Adding: "I think old, grumpy men like me will always have an opinion on it because I don’t watch it and you just hear snippets, but she assures me it’s not as bad as I think. It's quite a big thing and whatever she wants to do, you have to be supportive and I think I've given her a decent enough grounding to be respectful".
Gemma is an international dressage rider and business owner. Ahead of joining the show, the 19-year-old said she shared her dad's competitive side.
Gemma explained: "Sport has always been a big thing for me and my family. My dad was a professional football player. I've competed for Great Britain in dressage since I was 11 years old. I've travelled all across Europe competing in big arenas in big competitions.
"I would say I'm very competitive. [When it comes to relationships] I will always go for what I want. But at the same time, I'm not going to mess up something for someone who is in a proper relationship or get in the way of a couple if they have a genuine connection. I wouldn't do anything to another girl that I wouldn’t be happy with them doing to me." For more showbiz and television stories, get our newsletter here.
