Luca Bish speaks out after being flooded with support over Gemma Owen split

Love Island star Luca Bish has thanked fans for their supportive messages following his split from girlfriend Gemma Owen last week.

The couple, who came second place in the ITV reality series this summer, announced that they had made the decision to go their separate ways after three months of dating.

It was Gemma who first announced the breakup last week, with a statement to her Instagram Stories, but Luca didn't confirm the news until hours later.

"To all my followers, I wanted to let you know that Luca and I are no longer in a relationship", Gemma wrote on Tuesday (16 November).

"It wasn’t an easy decision but this ultimately is what is best for us both right now.

"Many of you have been on this journey with us from the very beginning and I want to thank you for your continued support as we start new chapters. Love always. Gem x."

Later that same evening, Luca confirmed Gemma's news, but admitted that he would have 'preferred some time to process' it before making the breakup public.

"Switched my phone back on after taking some time out to clear my head after an emotional afternoon to thousands of messages and news articles about my breakup", he wrote at the time.

"I would have liked some time to process this privately but as you all already now know sadly Gemma and I made the mutual decision earlier today to go our separate ways.

"We have been on such a journey together and have made some amazing memories which I will treasure. I can't thank everyone enough for their support for us as a couple during and after Love Island.

"We will remain good friends and I wish nothing but the best for her."

And by the sounds of things, Luca has had plenty of shoulders to cry on over the last few days.

Sharing a selfie to Instagram on Sunday evening (21 November), he told his followers: "Glad this week is over. Thank you for all the kind messages."

Alongside fans, Luca's Love Island cast mates took to the comments to share some kind words with their pal.

Jacques O'Neill, who became Luca's best bud in the Love Island villa despite his own history with Gemma, commented: "My brother always got you."

Meanwhile, Andrew Le Page wrote: "Get up to London soon brother x".

And Dami Hope added: "Luca Bish has entered the chat let’s f**kin ave itttt".

Luca and Gemma are the first couple from this year's Love Island finals to announce their split, with remaining couples Dami & Indiyah, Tasha & Andrew, and Ekin-Su & Davide still going strong.