Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen has revealed the hardest part about his daughter Gemma being on Love Island.
Gemma Owen is the youngest contestant in the famous villa this year where she's currently coupled up with Luca Bish. The 19-year-old spoke about finding love and having "a really fun summer" before she jetted off to Spain for the hit ITV show.
However, Gemma's decision to join this year's Love Island case hasn't been all plain sailing for her family, who found it a nerve-wracking experience. Her proud dad, who played for Liverpool FC and England, spoke out about what it's really like to see his daughter on the reality show while taking part in the Dodson and Horrell Bolesworth International Horse Festival in Cheshire, Cheshire Live reports.
READ MORE: Love Island's Gemma Owen breaks silence on Michael Owen in ITV show bombshell moment
The football legend was at the show in his role as business partner to the event, with him having nearby Manor House Stables in Malpas. This role includes getting involved with a fun competition involving horse riders and celebrities teaming up to do a race during Speed and Style Day.
Our sister title Cheshire Live caught up with Michael Owen at the event as he took them for a spin in and around the arena in a Nissan four wheel drive. During the drive, Michael opened up about how hard his family found it to see Gemma head off to take part in Love Island.
Michael said: "It's normally the question of the moment. Listen, from my point of view, it was really hard at the start because she went into isolation for two weeks and there was that not knowing how she was feeling and not knowing anything about it. Obviously, you get your phone taken off you.
"So it was really difficult as a family to not see her and not knowing how she was. But since she's been in the show - and I've only watched a few episodes - she looks like she's got a smile on her face. She looks like she's happy so, as a father, that's all I can ask for. She's happy."
Michael also revealed that his younger daughter had a love of show jumping, saying he was really proud of his children. He added: "My family and my wife are all keen on horses. My eldest likes dressage and my youngest has started getting into show jumping.
"I watch them compete. I don't get nervous when I do anything but when I'm watching them I do. It's a dangerous sport but that makes it exhilarating. Hopefully, one day my daughter will come to a place like Bolesworth to compete."
He added that he would personally much rather drive a car than get on a horse, in contrast to his talented family, including his wife Louise, who is an expert horsewoman.
Michael also shared how pleased he was for Manor House Stables to have joined forces with the world-renowned Bolesworth Horse Show, headed by MD Nina Barbour, with both businesses sharing a love of all things equestrian. He said: "I always enjoy coming here.
"It's great to have that association and it's a phenomenal set up here. It attracts the best riders from around the world and we are very lucky to have such a great place like this right on our doorsteps.
"Me and Nina and Manor House Stables and Bolesworth have joined forces and it's brilliant. You've got two huge equine centres coming together."
Michael's Speed and Style event will take place in the picturesque surroundings of Bolesworth as part of the five day world class competition and show, which draws equestrian enthusiasts and top riders from across the globe. The Bolesworth team have also joined forces with legendary jockey Sir AP McCoy to run the event.
This Speed and Style event will see well-known names and celebrities from the world of sport, horse racing and equestrian teaming up for a competitive race which will involve team tagging from the equestrian arena on horse-back to a four-wheeled racecourse that winds between the show jumps – with the fastest combined time winning the class.
Nina Barbour, managing director at Bolesworth, said: “This is the first equestrian event of the year at Bolesworth and what better way to start the Season of Events than with the Dodson and Horrell International Horse Show.
“We are thrilled to welcome both experienced riders and those who will be making their debut at Bolesworth. The team are also incredibly excited to partner with Michael Owen and Sir AP McCoy to make this one of our most memorable events to date.
“We pride ourselves on the fact that there is something for everyone here, from horse and dog enthusiasts to families and couples looking for a fun day out, soaking up the competitive atmosphere whilst enjoying the food, drink and shopping opportunities.”
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