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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Zoe Delaney

Michael Owen tells his kids to earn their own money amid daughter's Love Island rumours

Michael Owen may be worth millions, but his offspring won't be getting any handouts and will have to earn their own money as adults.

The sports pundit has told his kids to go work at a "pub down the road" if they're after a bit of extra cash.

The former Liverpool and England striker, 42, shares four children with childhood sweetheart Louise Bonsall - including potential Love Island contestant Gemma Owen, 19.

It has been heavily speculated that ITV2 bosses are keen to sign up the former footballer's eldest child for this year's series - reportedly suggesting to the teen that a stint in the villa would be great promotion for her beachwear business.

Michael Owen with his eldest child, Gemma (Instagram)
The fashionable teen is rumoured to be a Love Island target (Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror)

Although fashionista Gemma has previously dismissed the idea of looking for love on TV, the business savvy teen may be tempted by the boost to her bank balance a stint on the ITV2 show can provide for contestants who strike it lucky as influencers post-villa.

But if Gemma does decide to pass on becoming an Islander, dad Michael will be happy to see her pulling pints in order to earn her own money.

Speaking on the Walk The Dog podcast regarding all four of his kids, the former footballer said: "It's really difficult from a parent's point of view. You want to give your children the best start and the best chance.

Gemma owns her own beachwear line - perfect for a potential Love Island wardrobe (Gemma Owen/Instagram)

"But you're always wrestling with the fact that if I just make it so easy, and I can do this and do that, is she going to learn from any mistakes? You want money that much - there's a pub down the road, go and work behind the bar or something. That's my view."

Gemma - who has her own swimwear brand, OG Beachwear - seemingly ruled out appearing on Love Island earlier this year, when she admitted she was happily single at the moment.

The equestrian told the Daily Mail a few months ago: "I watch [Love Island] every summer but right now it's not something I would consider doing because I am not looking for love at the moment."

Gemma seemed to rule herself out of a Love Island stint earlier this year (Gemma Owen/Instagram)
The bikini designer is currently single but not looking for love at the moment (Gemma Owen/Instagram)

Gemma - who has represented Great Britain at dressage competitions - said that some of the challenges on the reality show are "quite out there," which could be an issue.

"I'm not sure I would be able to kiss 10 boys in a row but I do think it's a great show," she told the outlet in an interview in March.

She also added: "Boys aren't on the cards right now."

Rumours Gemma would become the latest celebrity relative to appear on Love Island began when an insider told the Sun last week that producers are keen to sign her up for the show.

A source told the outlet: " ITV bosses are scrambling to get her signed up for this year's Love Island." They said it would present an opportunity for her beachwear business."

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