Gemma Owen’s family ‘working behind the scenes to save career’ after backlash from viewers-Meghna Amin-Entertainment – Metro

Gemma Owen has signed up to the same agency as ex Love Islanders Maura Higgins, Chris Hughes and Shaughna Phillips (Picture: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Gemma Owen’s family have reportedly attempted to save the Love Island star’s career by signing her up to a PR agency after the 19-year-old was slammed by viewers for her ‘rude’ behaviour.

Gemma, the daughter of ex-footballer Michael Owen, certainly made her presence felt during the launch of the new series, with her ‘rude’ comments towards Luca Bish about his surname, and after making it clear she wasn’t interested in Liam Llewellyn after the public voted for them to pair up.

In last night’s episode, the international dressage rider had her first date with Italian stallion Davide, despite him being eight years her senior, another issue fans voiced their thoughts about.

However, despite criticism from viewers for her ‘bad attitude’, Gemma’s family have signed her up to Off Limits Entertainment, the PR agency who look after former Love Island finalist Maura Higgins, as well as ex-Islanders Chris Hughes, Shaughna Phillips, ex-boxers Amir Khan and Carl Froch and TV personality Jake Quickenden.

A spokesperson from Off Limits Entertainment told Metro.co.uk: ‘We are super pleased to confirm that Off Limits Entertainment are Gemma Owen’s exclusive management company. We’re so excited to watch her journey and help progress her career.’

Michael Owen tried to avoid discussing his daughter Gemma on Love Island (Picture: Michael Owen Instagram)

According to The Mirror, Gemma’s family have been ‘working behind the scenes to try and boost her profile’ with this signing.

The news follows Liam’s dad, former Wales International Rugby Union player David Llewellyn, joking what would happen if he met ex-England ace Michael after their kids were paired together.

On Heart South Wales, David quipped: ‘He’s a footballer, I’m a rugby player, I hope he doesn’t fall over when I shake his hand.’

David went on to praise his son’s attitude on the show, saying: ‘It’s just a privilege to see him on there. He’s such a charming young man.

Liam’s dad praised his son on the show (Picture: ITV)

‘He’s just a gem. He’s such a kind-hearted soul. He’d light up any room in the world.

‘Whether he wins or not he’s a true gentleman and he’s coming across lovely, he’s a top young man.’

So far, Michael has managed to avoid questions about his daughter as he flew to Germany just when his eldest daughter joined the raunchy reality TV dating show.

Gemma is the eldest to mum Louise and dad Michael (Picture: Michael Owen Instagram)

The family are reportedly ‘working to save her career’ after Gemma received backlash on the show (Picture: Michael Owen Instagram)

However, being in a different country did not stop the topic from being brought up as he appeared on Channel 4 for the Live UEFA Nations League.

Moments after the broadcast started, Michael was asked how he felt about Gemma’s Love Island debut. 

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He joked: ‘I came all the way to Germany to try and avoid all that back at home and you brought it up straight away! 

‘I’m feeling alright, thank you. This is taking my mind off it so don’t bring it back up.’

Metro.co.uk has contacted Michael Owen’s representatives for comment.

Love Island airs weeknights at 9pm on ITV2.

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