Why Michael Owen has swerved reuniting with daughter Gemma in Love Island villa

Ex-footballer Michael Owen will not be appearing on Sunday night's Love Island episode to chat with daughter Gemma, but the 19-year-old's mum and friend will be there, with mum Louise passing on a special message from Michael

It's the long-anticipated 'meet the parents' episode on Love Island tonight – but one famous face will be missing.

Footballer Michael Owen, 42, who is the father of Islander Gemma, 19, will not appear on tonight's episode, and so will miss the opportunity to grill Luca Bish, who his daughter is coupled up with.

Gemma's mum Louise, however, does drop by with the teen's friend Sarah, which could prove awkward after Louise publicly voiced her concern over Luca's behaviour towards fellow Islander Tasha in the villa.

Earlier this month Michael revealed he would not be jetting off to Mallorca as he's busy with his horses.

Gemma chats with her friend Sarah and mum Louise, but dad Michael is missing

Image:

( REX/Shutterstock)

Speaking to Sky Sports' At The Races after watching his horse Box to Box run, the football pundit was quizzed about if he will be making the journey to the villa. He explained: "My wife will do that duty. I'll represent the horses and she'll represent the daughter."

He 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."

Gemma Owen has been coupled up with Luca Bish for the majority of the show

Image:

( ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Fans had hoped the former Liverpool player would head into the Love Island villa after his employer BT Sport — for whom he is a pundit — gave him the all clear to jet off to the reality show due to a lack of football fixtures that weekend.

A source told the The Sun: "The end of July looks to be a golden opportunity for Michael to see Gemma.

"He's notoriously private and anything could change between now and finals week but, all things considered, the odds on him taking part are better than ever."

Although he's not appearing in person tonight, Michael has still sent his horse riding daughter a sweet message.

Louise says to Gemma in the episode: "Honestly, he is really proud of you, really proud," she says, before adding about the rest of the family: "They’re all loving watching you, they’re missing you like mad."

Meanwhile, Luca's dad Michael – who is wearing a pair of fish flops as he reunites with his son – said of Gemma: "She puts you straight doesn't she."

Luca's mum Maria adds: "First night I said, 'they fancy each other', I knew it. I love the values and morals she has."

Gemma's mum Louise is appearing on tonight's episode and passes on a sweet message from dad Michael

Image:

( Instagram)

Others who arrive include Ekin-Su's mum Sezer and brother Arda as well as Davide's mum Nadia and sister Valeria.

Nadia tells her son in Italian: "You’re doing well and you’re being yourself. Dad’s also watching and sends his regards. He doesn’t understand much of the English! In Italy everyone has been watching you."

Davide points out that Ekin-Su is an actress, but his mum insists: "But I can see she is being sincere. The way she looks at you, she is head over heels."

Ekin-Su's brother tells Davide: "I’ve never seen my sister look at a guy the way she looks at you. Clearly there’s something she sees in you. She’s my sister, she deserves the best, she really does, I’m not just saying that. I hope you’re willing to give her the best."

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