Love Island Introduces Gemma’s Ex-Boyfriend Jacques O’Neill As Latest Bombshell

Love Island is about to get a whole lot more complicated for Gemma Owen as her ex-boyfriend arrives in the villa.

A preview at the end of Friday night’s episode teased the entrance of a new bombshell who previously dated Gemma, with ITV now confirming his identity.

As many had correctly speculated, he is rugby league player Jacques O’Neill.

Jacques O'Neill is set to join Love Island
Jacques O’Neill is set to join Love Island

Elisabeth Hoff/ITV

The 23-year-old, who hails from Cumbria, has been released from his Castleford Tigers contract to appear on the ITV2 reality show.

He is reported to have dated Gemma, who is the daughter of football legend Michael Owen, for around a year, with their break-up coming in the last 12 months.

Get to know him a little better below:

On if he’s a catch…

“We all think we’re a catch, don’t we? I’m loyal, I’m respectful and I’ve got good manners. I’ll look after someone close to me to the full extent I can. I would have a baby in two or three years. I think I’d be good with babies too, they’d be good looking wouldn’t they?”

On being single…

“I split up with my ex and then I was seeing someone else. I was concentrating so much on my rugby and then I had that injury. I think it needs to be the right person, at the right time.”

On how he falls in love…

“Quick. I literally know if they’re going to be my girlfriend within a week. I fall pretty quick.”

On what gives him the ‘ick’…

“People singing Christmas songs! I was seeing this girl and it was just before Christmas and she started singing Christmas songs in the car and it went through me – it gave me the ick bad.”

Gemma is set for a surprise when her ex arrives in the villa
Gemma is set for a surprise when her ex arrives in the villa

Elisabeth Hoff/ITV

Gemma is currently paired with Luca Bish following Friday’s recoupling, which saw the fishmonger steal her from Davide Sanclimenti.

Her dad also recently defended the 19-year-old from comments on whether she is too young to appear on the show.

In an interview with MailOnline, he said: “She has had two years more than I had to get ready for life in the public eye.

“Also, she’s a mature 19. She’s a bit like me in that regard. I was playing for Liverpool when I was 17, and having to make friends with 23, 24, 25-year-olds.

“The bottom line is, she’s an adult and I have to trust her to make sensible decisions.”

Love Island continues on Sunday at 9pm on ITV2.

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Michael Owen Cringes As Fellow Football Pundits Bring Up Love Island During Match Coverage

Michael Owen was left a little red-faced on Tuesday night when his fellow pundits couldn’t resist mentioning a certain reality show during their coverage of the England match.

The footballer’s 19-year-old daughter Gemma is currently appearing on Love Island, which Channel 4 football presenter Jules Breach referenced at the beginning of the show.

She told viewers: “Joining me hoping to see another famous England victory in Munich are England and Arsenal midfielder Jordan Nobbs, former England, West Ham and Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole and the father of Love Island’s Gemma Owen, Michael Owen, here with us.”

As Michael hid his head in his hands, she continued: “A big night for the Owens last night, Michael. How are you feeling?”

He joked: “I came all the way to Germany to try to avoid all that back at home, and you brought it up straight away. I’m feeling alright, thank you.”

Gemma Owen is currently at the centre of the action on Love Island
Gemma Owen is currently at the centre of the action on Love Island

ITV/Shutterstock

Michael quickly added: “This has taken my mind off it, so don’t bring it back up. ”

Tuesday night’s instalment of Love Island saw Gemma coupling up with newbie Davide, after the public previously paired her with student Liam.

Prior to entering the villa, the horse-lover admitted her dad wasn’t exactly “buzzing” at the prospect of her signing up for Love Island, but he did give her his blessing.

Gemma in the villa
Gemma in the villa

ITV/Shutterstock

Gemma said: “He is very supportive in whatever I decide to do so he didn’t have a massive tantrum or anything like that. He was pretty chilled.

“He said, ‘You know how to behave. You just go and do it’. My mum’s bit of advice was, ‘Gem, remember to keep it classy’.”

Love Island continues at 9pm on ITV2.

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