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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Victoria Johns

Gemma Owen's ex Jacques O'Neill - All we know about the Love Island bombshell

Gemma Owen's ex-boyfriend Jacques O'Neill will make his debut in the villa tomorrow.

With his classic good looks and chiselled bod, the Castleford Tigers star, 23, is sure to set pulses racing.

The girls will no doubt welcome the bombshell with open arms, but how Gemma, 19, reacts remains to be seen.

After a preview in which she screams: "Oh my God! That's my ex-boyfriend," we find out more about the Cumbrian-born star.

Professional rugby player

Jacques plays for Castleford Tigers in the Betfred Super League.

Confirming their player had been released from his duties to star in the show, the club said: “Castleford Tigers can confirm that the club has agreed to release Jacques O’Neill from his contract to allow him to pursue another opportunity.

Jacques used to play for Castleford Tigers (Ed Sykes/SWpix.com/REX/Shutterstock)

“Known for a fearless attitude on the field by Castleford supporters, the Cumbrian-born 23-year-old is a proud product of the Tigers’ youth system having come through both our scholarship and academy programmes before making his Super League debut.

“Castleford Tigers would like to wish Jacques well with his new opportunity and thank him for his efforts as a Tiger so far.”

Jacques made his professional debut at the age of 20 and last year was selected for the England Knights Performance squad, aimed at developing talented players.

He made his professional rugby debut aged 20 (jacques9oneill_/instagram)

However, last summer the sportsman was hampered by a persistent hamstring injury, limiting him to just six appearances on the pitch.

Confirming the news Jacques was going on the show, his family said: "It's official!!!!! Jacques has hung his boots up for love and is entertaining the @loveisland villa. #Love #LoveIsland."

Relationship with Gemma

Jacques and Gemma reportedly dated in the last 12 months and were together for a year.

The 19-year-old's father Michael Owen is said to have met the rugby player and built up a good relationship with him.

Gemma referenced her dad making an effort with her beau in a previous episode of Love Island.

The dressage rider is an accomplished sports woman and Jacques is said to have accompanied his gal to her international dressage events.

And while the couple are believed to have split up at some point in the last year, things were reportedly amicable meaning it could be round two for the pair in the villa.

Fan reaction

With their history together, viewers can't wait to see how things pan out between Gemma and Jacques.

One fan excitedly tweeted: "That's my ex-boyfriend! Guy, Love Island has begun!"

Another hoped that Gemma would get her comeuppance after Luca decided to pick the 19-year-old, leaving his other half Paige vulnerable.

They said: "I hope Paige cracks on with Gemma's ex-boyfriend. Karma's a b***h."

With so many permutations, we can't wait for Sunday's show to kick off!

Love Island is on ITV2 at 9pm.

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