Love Island's Gemma Owen left 'heartbroken' over sudden loss of beloved horse
She's asked fans to respect her privacy
Last updated 8th Feb 2023
Love Island 2022 runner-up Gemma Owen has taken to social media to ask fans to respect her privacy, following the sudden loss of her beloved 'horse of a lifetime' Sirius.
Gemma, who is the daughter of former England footballer Michael Owen, shared a montage of photos and videos of herself and Sirius, to the track 'Lost Without You' by Freya Ridings.
She captioned the post: 'On Friday we lost my horse of a lifetime due to a sudden and severe illness💔 words can’t describe how much this horse meant to me and my family, he was truly one in a million 😓 everyone who met Siz will know how amazing and caring his temperament was. He was taken far too soon, he has left us all heartbroken and in complete shock.
'You taught me so much siz and I will never be able to thank you enough, you brought so much joy and happiness to our lives and you’ll never be replaced. I love you endlessly 💔'. (sic)
Gem's fans and friends were quick to comment on the post to send their condolences. New mum Molly-Mae Hague wrote: 'Gemma I’m so sorry, this is beyond heartbreaking. Stay strong beautiful 😔🤍'. (sic)
Tasha Ghouri commented: 'Sending love to you gem ❤️❤️', with Lucinda Strafford adding: 'I am so sorry angel for your loss🥺🤍 sending lots of love😔💗'. (sic)
A fan then wrote: 'Oh my god I'm so sorry Gemma! this is horrific. sending so much love', with another commenting: 'Loosing a horse is unbearable. My thoughts are with you, stay strong 🤍'. (sic)
Another added: 'So sad, they are beautiful, powerful animals with their own funny personalities and quirks, who quickly become part of your daily life and your world. So sorry for your loss 💙 x'. (sic)
Before she entered the Love Island villa in Summer last year, Gemma was an International Dressage Rider for Great Britain, competing at the European Championships in 2021.
Her love of horses is no secret, and just last month she was snapped competing alongside Sirius at Vale View Equestrian in Leicestershire as part of a dressage competition, where the pair finished in sixth place.
Check out all of the Love Island cast with famous relatives below:
Tommy Fury
Tommy appeared on the 2019 series of Love Island, finishing in second place alongside Molly-Mae Hague.
Who is Tommy Fury's brother?
Tommy is the younger brother of two-time world heavyweight champion boxer Tyson Fury!
Scott Thomas
Scott appeared on the second series of Love Island in 2017.
Who is Scott Thomas' brothers?
Scott has not one, but two famous brothers! Ryan Thomas appeared on Coronation Street as the infamous Jason Grimshaw, whilst Adam Thomas is best know for his roles in Emmerdale and Waterloo Road!
Dani Dyer
Dani entered the Love Island villa during series four in 2018, going on to win the show alongside Jack Fincham.
Who is Dani Dyer's dad?
Dani is the daughter of English actor Danny Dyer, who has appeared in shows such as EastEnders, The Football Factory, and presented BBC show The Wall.
Gemma Owen
19-year-old Gemma is a current Islander on the 2022 series of Love Island.
Who is Gemma Owen's dad?
Although it took her a number of weeks to mention it to her fellow Islanders, Gemma is the daughter of former England footballer Michael Owen.
Curtis Pritchard
Dancer Curtis was a popular Islander back in 2019, making it all the way to the final with Maura Higgins.
Who is Curtis Pritchard's brother?
Curtis is the brother of former Strictly Come Dancing professional AJ Pritchard! The pair are the best of friends and even appeared on Hollyoaks together in 2021.
Sophie Piper
Sophie Piper was an original Islander on the sixth series in 2021. She also entered Love Island: All Stars in January 2024 as a bombshell.
Who is Sophie Piper's sister?
Sophie is the younger sister of The Saturdays singer and TV presenter Rochelle Humes.
Jack Keating
Dublin lad Jack entered the Love Island villa during Casa Amor week in 2022.
Who is Jack Keating's dad?
It didn't take long for Jack to reveal his dad is Boyzone singer Ronan Keating, with Ronan even sharing a good luck message for his son.
Belle Hassan
Make-up artist Belle entered the Love Island villa as a bombshell during Casa Amor week in 2019.
Who is Belle Hassan's dad?
Belle's dad is actor Tamer Hassan, best known for his starring roles the films Football Factory and The Business.
Antigoni Buxton
Antigoni entered the Love Island villa as a bombshell during the 2022 series.
Who is Antigoni Buxton's mum?
During her stint in the villa, it was revealed Antigoni is the daughter of TV presenter and restaurateur Tonia Buxton. She also have a very ripped dad, who is a her gym training partner.
Luke Trotman
Luke took part in Winter Love Island in 2020, where he made the final alongside Siânnise Fudge.
Who is Luke Trotman's mum?
Luke is the son of singer Beverley Trotman. Bev appeared on the fourth season of The X Factor in 2007, finishing in sixth place.
Claudia Fogarty
Claudia entered the Winter Love Island villa as a bombshell during series 9 in 2023.
Who is Claudia Fogarty's dad?
Claudia is the daughter of former motorcycle racer Carl 'Foggy' Fogarty MBE, who also won the 14th series of I'm A Celeb in 2014.
Claudia's sister Danielle Fogarty is also in the public eye.
Zachariah Noble
Basketball player Zachariah Noble entered the 2023 Summer Love Island villa as a bombshell on Day One.
Who is Zachariah Noble's sister?
It turns out Zachariah is the younger brother of radio and TV personality Snoochie Shy, who appeared on I'm A Celeb in 2021.
Who is Amber Wise's dad?
Casa Amor bombshell Amber Wise is the daughter of former Premier League footballer Dennis Wise!
Meanwhile, despite leaving the Love Island villa with Luca Bish, 19-year-old Gemma is currently single after the pair split just months after returning to the UK.
To the shock of Luca, Gem announced on social media they'd split just hours after it happened, telling fans: 'To all my followers, I wanted to let you know that Luca and I are no longer in a relationship. It wasn't an easy decision but ultimately this is what is best for us both right now.
'Many of you have been on this journey with us from the very beginning and I want to thank you for you continued support as we start new chapters. Love always, Gem'. (sic)
Since then, Gemma has been forced to shut down rumours she's dating rapper Bugzy Malone, after reports were swirling.
Our thoughts are with Gemma at this sad time ❤️.
Now read:
New Love Island girl is the daughter of former I'm A Celeb winner
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Gemma Owen and Bugzy Malone speak out over relationship rumours