Michael Owen is not “buzzing” about his daughter Gemma going into the ‘Love Island’ villa.
Gemma Owen revealed her dad Michael's reaction to her signing up for 'Love Island'
The 19-year-old star has admitted that while the former England striker is not over the moon that his offspring is taking part in the ITV2 dating reality show, he handled the news “quite well” and is “very supportive” of everything she does.
Gemma told press: "I still wouldn't say he was buzzing about the fact. But he's very supportive with whatever I decide to do.
"He didn't have a massive tantrum or anything like that. It was pretty chilled. He sort of trusts me not to do anything and not to embarrass him or anything like that. So I guess he took it quite well.”
Gemma says it’s useful having a famous parent to go to for advice if she struggles with the spotlight.
Asked if her retired soccer ace dad, 42, has given her any tips on fame, she added: ”I wouldn't say he's given me any advice. He's given me a few tips. But I think it's just one of the things you need to sort of experience for yourself and learn as you go through when you make the mistakes.
"It's definitely quite handy to have someone that's experienced it before to to get advice from if things are not going too well.”
Gemma has also warned potential suitors it will take "a while" for her "guard to come down".
The brunette beauty admits she is "fiery" and "quite protective", but she doesn't "fall in love quickly".
Asked how her family and friends would describe her, she said: "I think they would say I’m very honest and a bit stubborn, straight up and a bit fiery. I can be quite protective.
"When you get to know me, I’m quite fun but it just takes a while for that guard to come down.
"They would say that I can take the mick out of myself quite easily!"
The international dressage rider and business owner has also vowed to be "very competitive" on 'Love Island', but insists when it comes to relationships she is not planning to "mess up something for someone" for the sake of television if they are in a "proper" romance.
When asked how competitive she is, Gemma said: "Sport has always been a big thing for me and my family. My dad was a professional football player.
"I’ve competed for Great Britain in dressage since I was 11 years old. I’ve travelled all across Europe competing in big arenas in big competitions.
"I would say I’m very competitive. [When it comes to relationships] I will always go for what I want. But at the same
time, I’m not going to mess up something for someone who is in a proper relationship or get in the way of a couple if they have a genuine connection.
"I wouldn’t do anything to another girl that I wouldn’t be happy with them doing to me."
'Love Island' starts at 9pm Monday 6th June on ITV2, ITV Hub, Virgin Media Two and Virgin Media Player. Episodes are available the following morning on BritBox.
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