Skip to main contentSkip to footer
liam kiss love island

This Love Island star has a famous dad – and it's not Gemma Owen

Gemma's not the only one from a sporting background…

Francesca Shillcock
Senior Features Writer
Updated: June 9, 2022
Share this:

Love Island had everyone talking when they announced that one of the contestants, Gemma, was the daughter of world famous footballer, Michael Owen. 

MORE: Michael Owen breaks silence as daughter Gemma causes a stir on Love Island

But it turns out the 19-year-old isn't the only villa occupant who has a well-known dad from a sporting background. Read on to find out more…

WATCH: HELLO! gives a tour of the brand new Love Island villa

Liam Llewellyn, who in fact found himself coupled up with Gemma when the public paired them together, also has a father with a few talents. His dad, David Llewelyn, 51, played rugby for Wales in the World Cup. Impressive!

In his rugby career, David has played for Ebbw Vales, Newport and Neath. In 1999, he joined the Welsh national team in the World Cup and even scored a try during a game. He's since retired from his professional career but remains active by working as a personal trainer.

MORE: All you need to know about Love Island's Davide

MORE: 8 Love Island style villas to rent this summer that are totally our type on paper

liam love island© Photo: ITV

Liam's dad is former professional rugby player

As mentioned, Liam was paired with Gemma but that soon changed when self-titled "Italian stallion" Davide entered the building. After getting to know one another, Davide decided to couple up with Gemma, leaving Liam single.

Meanwhile, Gemma's dad has mostly kept quiet about his daughter joining the ITV dating show, but on Tuesday the ex-footballer did speak out about the reality programme.

Michael was working as a pundit for Channel 4's coverage – and just seconds into the broadcast, co-presenter Jules Breach joked about his Love Island connection.

love island liam single© Photo: ITV

Liam was left single on Tuesday's evening

"Joining me hoping to see another famous win for England tonight in Munich […] the father of Love Island's Gemma Owen," quipped Jules as the coverage started. In response, the 42-year-old said: "I came all the way to Germany to try and avoid all that back home, but it has been brought up straight away! But I am feeling alright. This is taking my mind off it so don't bring it back up."

Michael previously told ITV: "I have no doubts that she will make us all proud. It's probably a father's worst nightmare, but whatever she wants to do. You've got to be supportive."

Like this story? Sign up to our What to Watch newsletter to get other stories like this delivered straight to your inbox.

Sign up to Off Camera for all the gossip and goings-on from the wonderful world of TV and film

By entering your details, you are agreeing to HELLO! Magazine User Data Protection Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more information, please click here.

More TV and Film

See more