Michael Owen Explains Why He Will Not Be Taking Part In Meet The Parents

The cast of Love Island 2022 appears to be whittling down, having seen Jay and Chyna being dumped from the island and Jacques choosing to leave the villa all in the space of a couple of days. 

But, that does mean that viewers are drawing closer to watching the finale, and that can only mean one thing… Meeting the parents!

However, Gemma’s dad, Michael Owen, has confirmed that he will not be taking part in the show, and he's explained why.

The 42-year-old former England footballer was thought to be heading into the villa in order to reunite with his 19-year-old daughter Gemma, who is still going strong with Luca Bish, 23.

ITV.

But Michael has since explained that the reason why he won’t be going into the villa is that he has a ‘duty’ to represent his horse at upcoming events.

In an interview with Sky Sports At The Races after watching his horse run, he said: “My wife will do that duty. I’ll represent the horses and she’ll represent the daughter.”

He then added: “‘I don’t know what I’ll get from Box To Box. But I know what I’m going to get from my daughter. 

“I’ve fathered her for 19 years so I’m pretty sure what I’m going to get from her."

Alamy.

The ex-footballer set up his Manor House Stables in 2007, where his daughter Gemma has a horse, Sirius Black, among the family’s 11 others.

Michael raced for the first time at Royal Ascot in 2017 after retiring from football four years prior, and came in second place.

Gemma, however, is an international dressage rider who represents Great Britain.

In terms of Love Island, however, Gemma and her partner Luca no longer appear to be in the running for first place.

@gemowen_1 / Instagram.

In fact, Betfair have revealed that Davide Sanclimenti & Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu are trumping the odds with 8/5 to win the dating series.

Luca and Gemma, however, are following close in second place at 13/5, while Dami Hope and Indiyah Polack are at 7/2. 

Andrew Le Page and Tasha Ghouri are sitting pretty at 14/1, while Billy Brown and Paige Thorne are at a 19/1 odd of winning the show.

Jacques O'Neill, however, is no longer in the running to win the show alongside Paige, as he has sadly left the Love Island villa.

ITV.

The news was announced by ITV yesterday afternoon, before he was shown to leave on last night’s episode.

A spokesperson said: "Jacques has made the decision to leave the Villa. He will explain his reasons to the Islanders during tonight’s episode.

"We fully support his decision and look forward to seeing what’s next for Jacques."

You can read more on his choice to leave here.

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