Gemma Owen has responded to rumours she’s dating rapper Bugzy Malone.
Earlier this week, it was reported that the Love Island star had grown close to the Grime artist in recent weeks, and that the pair had been on a number of dates.
However, Gemma has since shut down the speculation, insisting she is still very much single after her split from Luca Bish in November.
She told MailOnline: “I have never met or spoken to him and we don’t follow each other on social media. I am not dating and I am definitely single.”
“Just after Christmas, I had much needed time with my family and friends and I am working on myself. I am not going to date anytime soon and I’m not looking.”
“On a personal level, I want to work on my happiness and investing time in people close to me, my family and friends and just being content in myself.”
Gemma and Luca split in November, just three months after they left the Love Island villa.
Speaking exclusively to Goss.ie at PrettyLittleThing‘s Christmas Party in Dublin last month, Gemma admitted the break-up “has been challenging”.
The OG Beachwear founder told us: “These last few weeks, as going through any break up, it’s not nice. It’s not a nice time.”
“Having to deal with the press and other people’s opinions, and people thinking that they know what’s going on when they don’t, that’s been challenging. But overall, I’m doing ok. I’m getting through it and keeping busy.”
Gemma also praised her Love Island co-stars for helping her during this difficult time, telling us: “The girls have been lovely.”
“Every single one of them has sent me a message, being there, telling me if I never need a call they’ll be there. So that’s really lovely and makes it a bit easier.”
Gemma confirmed her split from Luca in a statement posted on her Instagram Story, which read: “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 your continued support as we start new chapters,” she added, before signing off: “Love always, Gem x.”
Just over one hour after her post, Luca broke his silence on Instagram.
Clearly annoyed by Gemma’s announcement, the 23-year-old wrote: “Switched my phone back on after taking some time out to clear my head after an emotional afternoon to thousands of messages and news articles about my breakup.”
“I would have liked some time to process this privately but as you all already now know sadly Gemma and I made the mutual decision earlier today to go our separate ways.”
“We have been on such a journey together and have made some amazing memories which I will treasure. I can’t thank everyone enough for their support for us as a couple during and after Love Island,” he added.
“We will remain good friends and I wish nothing but the best for her.”
