Love Island star addresses reports she's 'heading back to villa' - after previously making show final
It was reported that Gemma Owen, the 21 year old reality star and daughter of football legend Michael Owen, was set to star in Love Island: All Stars for its second season. Gemma, who was a contestant on ITV2's hit dating show Love Island in 2022, had a memorable stint on the series where she fell for handsome fishmonger Luca Bish, 25. The pair ended up as runners-up behind winners Davide Sanclimenti, 29, and Ekin-Su Culculoglu, 30. However, their romance fizzled out once they returned to the UK.
Since reports circulated of Gemma's return to the villa, a spokesperson for the star has quashed the rumours. Despite fans' hopes that Gemma might be returning for another shot at love, the star herself has firmly denied these reports. A spokesperson told The Mirror: "There is no truth to this report - Gemma Owen is categorically not heading onto the show!" This comes after The Sun suggested that Gemma would be making a comeback to the series.
An insider told the publication: "Gemma had a great time on Love Island in 2022... It wasn't something she ever imagined signing up to but the entire experience caught her by surprise. She was incredibly young when she first starred on the show at 19 but now she hopes as a 21-year-old her first experience will help her at a second chance of love."
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"Michael is bracing himself for another series supporting his daughter date in front of the nation but he was so proud of Gemma during her first villa stint, he knows she's sensible and can be trusted."
When asked for comment on the news that Gemma will be joining the cast, by The Mirror, an ITV spokesperson didn't confirm or deny the news, instead saying: "Nothing to add here."
Love Island: All Stars is set to bring back a host of familiar faces from previous seasons, giving them another shot at romance in the iconic villa. The spin-off series, which debuted earlier this year, saw contestants jet off to South Africa to film the show amid much fanfare and drama.
Season seven's Liberty Poole and Jake Cornish made headlines when they were brought back together for the series, despite their tumultuous split on the original show.
The tension proved too much for Jake, who decided to leave the All Stars series early, citing discomfort around his ex, Liberty, and wishing her the best on his way out. In a heartwarming turn of events, the first season concluded with season six's Molly Smith and season nine's Tom Clare taking home the win, and the couple are still going strong nine months on.
