Gemma Owen’s ex-boyfriend Jacques O’Neill is heading into the Love Island villa.
The news was confirmed at the end of Friday’s episode, as the show teased the arrival of a new bombshell on Sunday.
In a teaser for the next episode, Jacques was shown walking into the villa, before Gemma was heard saying: “Oh my god, that’s my ex-boyfriend.”
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So who is Gemma’s ex Jacques O’Neill?
The 23-year-old works as a professional rugby player, and has been playing for the Castleford Tigers since he was a teen.
The Leeds native is regarded as one of rugby league’s best young prospects, and has already played for the England Knights and played 29 times for the Tigers.
After Jacques family confirmed he’s heading into the Love Island villa, his club released a statement which said: “Castleford Tigers can today confirm that the club has agreed to release Jacques O’Neill from his contract to allow him to pursue another opportunity.”
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“The Tigers have the first option to sign O’Neill back next year should he wish to return to rugby league.”
“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.”
Gemma will be reunited with her ex Jacques after recoupling with Luca Bish during Friday night’s episode.
In the first recoupling of the season, the 23-year-old fishmonger stole Gemma from Italian contestant Davide.
Early in the episode, tensions were high between Luca and Davide, as both boys competed for Gemma’s affection.
After the boys told Luca that Davide wanted to speak to him, he confronted the 27-year-old Italian and said: “I hear you’re p****d off that I took Gemma for a chat.”
Davide responded : “I am not p****d off you took Gemma for a chat, why did you not come and tell me? At least have the balls to come and tell me, ‘Oh look Davide, I fancy her.’”
Luca then said: “It’s not that I’ve not got the balls, we are in the same villa, you’re going to see it aren’t you.”
Later in the episode, the Islanders gathered around the fire pit for the much-anticipated recoupling, and the focus was on Luca as he made his decision.
He said: “I’d like to couple up with this girl because ever since walking through that door she caught my eye. Obviously it wasn’t an easy decision and probably until I was sat here right now I didn’t know what I was gonna do.”
“I said when I came in here I’d stay true to myself and hopefully that pays off. So the girl I’d like to couple up with is Gemma.”
Luca was previously coupled up with Paige, who has now been left single alongside Afia.
Following Friday night’s recoupling, the new couples are:
- Tasha and Andrew
- Indiyah and Ikenna
- Amber and Dami
- Gemma and Luca
- Ekin-Su and Davide
Love Island continues on Sunday night at 9pm on Virgin Media Two.
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