Love Island star Luca Bish has sent a message of thanks to his fans days after his split from Gemma Owen was revealed. The pair made it to the final of the ITV2 dating show this summer but after just three months Gemma, 19, revealed the pair had gone their separate ways.
Gemma, the daughter of former footballer Michael Owen, made the announcement in a message posted to her Instagram Story. She wrote last Wednesday (November 16) wrote: "To all my followers. I wanted to let you know that Luca and I are no longer in a relationship. It wasn’t an easy decision but ultimately this 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, Luca, a former fishmonger, shared his own statement and appeared to be unprepared for the news to break when it did. Taking to his own Instagram stories, the 23-year-old wrote: “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.
"I would have liked to have had some time to process this privately but as you all already now know, 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."
He added: "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."
After taking time away and staying quiet on social media, Luca returned to Instagram on Sunday (November 20) and shared a fresh selfie with his millions of followers. "Glad this week is over," he confessed in the caption before adding: "Thank you for all the kind messages."
Love Island co-star Jacques O'Neill was among the first to respond, writing: " My brother always got you." Andrew Le Page, who is still loved-up with his girlfriend Tasha Ghouri, also showed his support, and also commented: "G et up to London soon brother."
Dami Hope, who also made it to the final of the ITV2 dating show this year, penned: " Luca Bish has entered the chat let’s f*ckin ave itttt." Luca's sister Claudia, who won her own fans during the 2022 edition of Love Island as she took control of her brother's social media, added: "Love you so much."
The news of Gemma and Luca's split came 24 hours after Luca made an appearance at a star-studded event where he awkwardly appeared to comment on their relationship. Luca ttended the TV Choice Awards on Monday on his own and also made an appearance at the ITV Palooza without Gemma at London's Royal Festival Hall on Tuesday evening.
During ITV's big showcase, Luca said to press on the blue carpet when asked about the state of his relationship: "Yeah, unbelievable. She was on the phone before I stepped through here today and then I'm back up there tomorrow, so good to see you when we can and that's it."
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