Gemma Owen is a prominent British international dressage rider, television personality, and entrepreneur who rose to mainstream fame as the runner-up on Season 8 of Love Island UK in 2022. As of 2026, Owen has successfully transitioned from a reality TV star into a multifaceted business mogul and professional athlete, maintaining a significant presence in both the equestrian world and the luxury fashion industry. While initially known to many as the eldest daughter of football legend Michael Owen, she has cultivated an independent brand identity through her luxury swimwear label, OG Beachwear, and high-profile partnerships with brands such as PrettyLittleThing, Holland Cooper Equestrian, and Etihad. In 2026, she remains a leading figure in the “sport-luxe” niche, balancing her competitive dressage ambitions at the Small Tour level with a burgeoning media career that includes hosting digital content for Horse & Country TV.
Love Island Season 8 Highlights
Gemma Owen entered the Love Island villa in June 2022 as the youngest contestant of the season at just 19 years old. Her journey was defined by a steady partnership with Brighton-based fishmonger Luca Bish, with whom she reached the grand final, ultimately finishing in second place behind winners Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu and Davide Sanclimenti.
Despite being the daughter of a world-famous athlete, Owen was noted for her maturity and her initial hesitation to reveal her famous father’s identity to her fellow Islanders. Her time on the show was marked by her “loyal” and “fiery” personality, particularly during challenges like “Snog, Marry, Pie,” where she famously chose to “marry” Luca.
Professional Dressage Career and Goals
Beyond her television fame, Gemma Owen is a highly accomplished international dressage rider who has represented Great Britain since the age of 11. She competed in the 2021 European Junior Championships in Spain and, as of 2026, is actively training for Grand Prix level competitions.
In 2026, her equestrian career reached new heights as she partnered with a Grand Prix schoolmaster to advance her rankings in the Small Tour. She often shares “day in the life” content of her training at Manor House Stables in Cheshire, providing a rare glimpse into the disciplined world of professional horse riding for her millions of followers.
OG Beachwear and Business Empire
Before entering the villa, Owen had already launched her own luxury swimwear brand, OG Beachwear, in early 2022. By 2026, the brand has expanded significantly, evolving from a niche bikini label into a global resort-wear name that emphasizes sustainable materials and “timeless” silhouettes.
Owen serves as the CEO and primary creative director for OG Beachwear, overseeing everything from design to marketing. The brand’s success is bolstered by her massive social media reach, where she frequently models her own collections, positioning the brand as a leader in the high-end boutique swimwear market.
Post-Island Relationships and Dating
Following the conclusion of Love Island 2022, Gemma Owen and Luca Bish continued their relationship for approximately four months before announcing a mutual split in November 2022. The breakup was attributed to the challenges of long-distance and their increasingly demanding individual career paths.
Since 2023, Owen has maintained a strictly private dating life, rarely confirming rumors or appearing in tabloid headlines regarding her romantic interests. In 2026, she remains focused on her business ventures and equestrian training, reinforcing her image as a career-driven professional who values personal privacy.
Ambassador Roles and Philanthropy
In 2023, Gemma Owen was appointed as a Young Ambassador for the charity Fight for Sight, a cause deeply personal to her family. Her brother, James, lives with Stargardt disease, a rare genetic condition that causes progressive sight loss, and Gemma uses her platform to raise awareness and funds for research.
Additionally, she holds several prestigious brand ambassadorships in 2026, representing luxury names like Boodles jewelry and Holland Cooper. These roles often see her attending high-profile events such as the Royal Ascot and the Longines Global Champions Tour, further cementing her status in the British social elite.
Gemma Owen Background
Gemma Rose Owen entered the public eye long before Love Island through her equestrian achievements and family legacy. Born May 2, 2003, in Chester, England, she grew up in a high-profile household as the daughter of former Liverpool and Manchester United footballer Michael Owen and his wife Louise. At age 19 during the show, Gemma already competed internationally in dressage, riding for Team GB at events like the 2021 European Championships for Juniors.
Her pre-villa career blended athletic discipline with entrepreneurship. Gemma owned OG Beachwear, a swimwear line she launched as a teen, drawing from her love of beach lifestyles and fashion. This business acumen, honed through years of stable management and horse training, set her apart from typical contestants, showcasing a maturity beyond her years.
Family influence shaped her grounded persona. With siblings Jessica, Emily, and James, Gemma often shared glimpses of their supportive dynamic on social media, balancing fame’s pressures with private roots. Her father’s £70 million net worth provided resources, but Gemma built her own path through sponsorships with brands like PrettyLittleThing.
Early Life Details
Gemma’s childhood revolved around horses from age 5, training at her family’s Cheshire estate. She rode competitively by 12, winning British Dressage titles and qualifying for Pony of the Year. These feats demanded rigorous schedules, including early mornings at the yard and international travel to competitions in Germany and the Netherlands.
Schooling at Hawarden High complemented her sports focus. Gemma balanced GCSEs with riding, achieving strong grades while managing her first business ventures. This discipline translated seamlessly to villa challenges, where strategy met emotional resilience.
Love Island Entry
Gemma Owen joined Love Island series 8 on Day 1, June 6, 2022, in Mallorca’s iconic villa. As an original Islander, she turned heads with her model looks, equestrian poise, and quick wit, immediately coupling with Davide Sanclimenti after initial choices shuffled. Her entrance video highlighted dressage clips and beachwear modeling, teasing a mix of sophistication and fun.
Producers hyped her for weeks pre-launch, fueled by her famous surname. At 19, she was the youngest contestant, yet her experience shone in early chats. Gemma’s first recoupling speech on Day 4 kept her safe, praising Davide’s energy while eyeing long-term fits.
Viewers voted her a favorite early, with 1.2 million watching her debut. Her outfits—neon bikinis to elegant dresses—sparked fashion trends, amplifying her OG Beachwear sales overnight.
Day 1 Coupling
On launch night, Gemma picked Davide after Luca Bish chose Paige Salmon. Chemistry sparked fast, with flirty pool chats and shared meals building rapport. Tensions brewed as Luca eyed her, setting up the show’s first love triangle.
Gemma navigated compliments gracefully, revealing her no-nonsense approach to romance. By Day 3, public votes confirmed her popularity, saving her from elimination risks.
Luca Bish Romance
Gemma’s pivotal coupling with Luca Bish began on Day 18, when he chose her during a beach hut confession. The fishmonger from Brighton brought humor and loyalty, complementing Gemma’s ambition. They reached the final on August 1, 2022, as runners-up to Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu and Davide Sanclimenti.
Their villa journey included intense “stick or twist” decisions. Post-Casa Amor on Day 29, Gemma stuck with Luca despite temptations, solidifying their bond. Shared dates like a romantic dinner sealed their connection, with Gemma calling him her “best friend.”
Outside, they lasted four months officially. Announced split on November 1, 2022, via Instagram, Gemma cited young love’s challenges. Luca echoed mutual respect, wishing privacy amid media frenzy.
Key Romantic Moments
The final date featured a candlelit Greek feast, where Luca gifted jewelry. Gemma praised his family values, mirroring her own. Their airport reunion post-villa drew 10,000 fans, highlighting genuine affection.
Challenges tested them, like Luca’s injury scare. Gemma’s support shone, nursing him through recovery while launching joint brand deals.
Jacques O’Neill Drama
Jacques O’Neill entered as a rugby league bombshell on Day 6, revealing an eight-month ex-relationship with Gemma from 2020-2021. This twist rocked her Davide coupling, with Jacques pushing for rekindling. Gemma shut it down firmly, prioritizing new connections.
Public watched as Jacques lingered, creating awkward firepit chats. Gemma confided in Afia Tonkmor about their Leeds-based history, ended amicably pre-show. Jacques’ mental health exit on Day 38 indirectly cleared her path to Luca.
Post-show, Gemma reflected no regrets, focusing forward. Jacques’ actions drew criticism, but she maintained class, avoiding public shade.
Ex-Bombshell Impact
Jacques’ arrival spiked ratings by 500,000 viewers. Gemma’s handling—direct but kind—earned respect from Islanders like Indiyah Polak. It highlighted her growth from teen romance to mature decisions.
Casa Amor Challenge
Casa Amor tested Gemma from Day 26-29, separating genders. She coupled with new boy Josh Le Grove but stuck with Luca upon return, unlike many twists. Videos showed flirty games, yet loyalty prevailed.
The reunion firepit brought cheers for their choice. Gemma’s speech emphasized Luca’s consistency over novelty. This decision boosted their final run.
Viewers praised her poise amid temptations like cocktail parties. It underscored her values: depth over drama.
Post-Show Career Boom
Gemma exited Love Island with 1.5 million Instagram followers, skyrocketing to 2.5 million by 2026. She launched OG Beachwear expansions, hitting £5 million revenue in 2023 alone. Dressage returned sporadically, with 2024 competitions in Hickstead.
Brand deals flooded: PrettyLittleThing ambassador, boohoo campaigns, and InTheStyle collections. Her 2023 single “Sweet Disposition” cover went viral, hinting music interests. By 2025, net worth estimates hit £4 million from endorsements.
Reality TV offers followed, but Gemma chose selective gigs like Dancing on Ice 2023, placing fourth. She invested in property, buying a Cheshire home in 2024.
Business Ventures
OG Beachwear grew from villa mentions to global shipping. Gemma’s 2024 line featured sustainable fabrics, selling 50,000 units in the first week. Collaborations with Misspap include £200 bikinis. She mentors young equestrians via online courses. 2025 saw a skincare launch, tying into her wellness routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Gemma Owen’s father?
Gemma Owen is the eldest daughter of former England, Liverpool, and Real Madrid footballer Michael Owen. She has often spoken about the influence of his sporting discipline on her own equestrian career.
Are Gemma Owen and Luca Bish still together?
No, the couple split in November 2022, roughly four months after the Love Island final. They cited the difficulty of making a long-distance relationship work while both were launching new careers.
What is OG Beachwear?
OG Beachwear is Gemma Owen’s luxury swimwear and resort-wear brand. It was founded in 2022 and is known for its sophisticated, neutral-toned designs and high-quality fabrics.
Does Gemma Owen still ride horses?
Yes, she is a professional international dressage rider. In 2026, she continues to compete at a high level and is currently training to reach the Grand Prix standard.
What season of Love Island was Gemma Owen on?
Gemma was a contestant on the eighth season of Love Island UK, which aired in the summer of 2022. She and partner Luca Bish finished as runners-up.
What is Gemma Owen’s net worth in 2026?
While exact figures are private, financial analysts estimate her personal net worth at approximately £2.5 million, derived from her business, brand deals, and TV work.
What happened to Gemma’s horse, Sirius Black?
Sirius Black, the gelding she rode in the 2021 European Championships, was retired from high-level competition following her stint on Love Island and passed away shortly after.
Final Thoughts
From her debut as the youngest contestant in the Love Island villa to her current standing as a sophisticated “multi-hyphenate” professional, Gemma Owen has redefined what it means to be a modern reality star. As of 2026, her journey is no longer framed solely by her television appearances or her famous lineage, but by her tangible success in international dressage and global commerce. By carefully selecting high-value brand partnerships with names like PrettyLittleThing and Ettihad, and scaling her own OG Beachwear label into a sustainable luxury powerhouse, she has achieved a level of financial and professional autonomy that few her age can claim.
Her story remains one of disciplined ambition. Whether she is competing at the Grand Prix level on the European circuit or hosting specialized media content for Horse & Country TV, Owen continues to bridge the gap between elite sports and mainstream lifestyle. In 2026, she stands as a blueprint for “second-generation” stars, proving that a clear vision, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to personal privacy can transform a fleeting moment of reality fame into a lasting, multi-million pound legacy.
To Read More: Manchester Independent