Luca said he and Gemma would remain ‘good friends’ (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Rex/Shutterstock)

Gemma Owen has spoken out on how she’s doing following her split from fellow Love Island star Luca Bish, describing their break-up ‘challenging’.

Last month, it was revealed that Gemma, 19, and Luca, 23, had broken up three months after reaching the final of the reality dating competition, having only recently gone official in the real world.

In a statement shared on her Instagram Story at the time, the international dressage rider wrote: ‘It wasn’t an easy decision but this ultimately is what is best for us both right now.’

On Tuesday evening, she expressed how it’s not been a ‘nice time’ in the aftermath of their separation.

‘These last few weeks, as going through any break up, it’s not nice. It’s not a nice time,’ she told Goss.ie at the Christmas Party for PrettyLittleThing in Dublin.

Gemma, whose dad is former England football star Michael Owen, added: ‘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.’

The reality star also shared how the other women who took part on Love Island with her have supported her behind the scenes and been there for her as close friends.

‘The girls have been lovely,’ she said.

‘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.’

The former couple were runners-up in the 2022 final of Love Island (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)

In a statement posted on his Instagram Story about the break-up, fishmonger Luca said that he’d an ‘emotional’ time coping with ‘thousands’ of messages about the split.

‘I would have liked some time to process this privately but as you all now know sadly Gemma and I made the mutual decision earlier today to go our separate ways,’ he wrote.

‘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.

‘We will remain good friends and I wish nothing but the best for her.’

Love Island is available to watch on ITV Hub.

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‘It’s not a nice time,’ the reality star said.