Love Island 's Luca Bish has broken his silence after splitting from girlfriend Gemma Owen, admitting to fans that it had been a tough week.
The pair were coupled up during the most recent series of the ITV dating show, and had been going strong since the end of the series in August before deciding to go their separate ways. Gemma broke the news to fans on Instagram on Wednesday, 16 November, and has since posted a series of selfies on the social media platform - as well as removing pictures of herself with Luca from her profile.
But other than posting his own statement on his Instagram Story, Luca went quiet on social media in the wake of the split - until the weekend, when he finally issued an update to his followers. Posting a selfie on his Instagram page on Sunday, Luca wrote: "Glad this week is over. Thank you for all the kind messages."
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Some of Luca's Love Island co-stars were quick to send over messages of support, including Andrew Le Page, who wrote: "Get up to London soon brother", and Dami Hope, who commented: "Luca Bish has entered the chat let's f***** have ittt," alongside heart and fire emojis. Former Islander Jacques O'Neill also sent a sweet message to his friend, writing: "My brother, always got you".
Luca last updated his Instagram Grid earlier in November with a picture of him with Gemma in front of a bonfire to celebrate Guy Fawkes night, writing to Gemma: "Experiencing another first with you." Just over two months earlier, the 23-year-old had asked Gemma to officially be his girlfriend in a romantic 'proposal' that was filmed and posted on the pair's social media accounts.
Gemma, 19, confirmed that the pair had split last week, writing on her Instagram Story: "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 both of us 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." And Luca later confirmed on his own Instagram Story that Gemma had made the announcement without him knowing.
"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 said in a statement. "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."
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