Luca Bish and Gemma Owen’s relationship was ‘on the rocks shortly after leaving Love Island villa’

Gemma Owen and Luca Bish were reportedly having trouble in their relationship almost as soon as Love Island ended (Picture: Shutterstock)

Luca Bish and Gemma Owen’s relationship was having issues almost as soon as the pair left the Love Island villa, according to their friends.

The couple, who were runners-up on the 2022 series to Davide Sanclimenti and Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu, announced this week they had broken up.

They had appeared head-over-heels for each other on the reality dating show, and since leaving the villa have gone on holiday together and met each other’s families (yes, Luca met Michael Owen.)

And when Luca, 23, asked Gemma, 19, to be his girlfriend last August it was with a massive proposal featuring lanterns, roses and balloons, all captured on video using drones.

But despite the flash and glamour, Luca and Gemma’s relationship has not worked out, with the pair confirming they were going their separate ways.

Now a source close to the former couple has suggested their friends knew the romance was on the rocks almost immediately after Love Island came to an end.

The pair, 19 and 23, were runners up on the 2022 series (Picture: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

A source told The Sun: ‘Pals thought they were on the rocks a few months ago when they didn’t come to a reunion bash’ – Indiyah Polack’s fashion launch in September, weeks after the end of Love Island.

‘It was awkward as Dami and Indiyah had already expressed doubts over Gemma and Luca’s relationship on the outside,’ the source claimed.

‘Most of the cast were there ready to celebrate, but they thought something was up with Gemma and Luca for not coming.’

It comes after a source told Metro.co.uk that the former couple had been ‘rocky for weeks,’ adding it ‘wasn’t a shock.’

They continued: ‘Cracks were forming in the last two weeks, since before their trip to Dubai. While on holiday, they brushed over it but when they got back nothing had changed.’

The pair had been in a long-distance relationship, splitting their time between the Owen family mansion in Cheshire, Luca’s home in Brighton, and London where they would visit for work commitments.

On Wednesday, Gemma revealed the duo had decided to call it quits on her Instagram Stories, saying it ‘wasn’t an easy decision.’

She wrote: ‘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 this ultimately 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. Love always. Gem x.’

Gemma confirmed the news on Instagram this week (Picture: Gemma Owen/ Insta)

Luca also commented on the ‘mutual’ break up, writing on Instagram that he had ‘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 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.

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‘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.’

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MORE : Gemma Owen and Luca Bish were ‘rocky for weeks’ before announcing split: ‘Cracks were forming’

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The pair announced their split this week.