Love Island 2022: Michael Owen’s teenage daughter Gemma will be walking into the villa next week

The dressage rider will be trying to trade in her riding boots for a strapping lad

Ex-footballer Michael Owen's daughter, Gemma Owen, is competing in this year's Love Island. The 19-year-old Chester-based swimwear brand owner and professional Team GB dressage rider's place in the villa was announced Monday as this year's cast continues to be released. Owen who has been competing in major dressage championships since she was 11, says that "sport has always been a big thing for me and my family", but will now be turning her hand to reality TV and hoping to walk away with the £50,000 prize and hopefully a beau to boot. https://twitter.com/LoveIsland/status/1531221494981971968?s=20&t=irc5bVX_hAvRJtsehuc-JA Speaking to ITV, Gemma said: "I am open to finding love, I’m wanting to have a really fun summer. I was seeing someone and then that didn’t work out so I thought, 'Why not?'"

She went on to describe herself as "fun, flirty and fiery. I think I’m good at giving advice, I’m a good person to talk to, I’m very honest. If I want the same guy, I’d do it but in a nice respectful way."

Gemma admits to having a natural competitive streak, given her family background.

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"Sport has always been a big thing for me and my family. My dad was a professional football player. I’ve travelled all across Europe competing in big arenas and in big competitions. I would say I’m very competitive."

In terms of relationships, Gemma says her approach is very much the same, though she confesses that she won't be trying to get in the way of anyone with "a genuine connection".