Sunday People

Gem’s beau joins scrum

- By Sarah Robertson

NEW Love Island hunk Jacques O’neill has hinted that he has entered the villa to win back ex-girlfriend Gemma Owen.

The 23-year-old profession­al Rugby League player dated Michael Owen’s daughter for 12 months before they split last year.

But the Castleford Tigers star – who was released from his club contract yesterday to take part in the show – has suggested he still has feelings for Gemma, describing their previous relationsh­ip as steady.

Asked why he was joining the show, Jacques said: “I split up with my ex and then

I was seeing someone else. I was concentrat­ing so much on my rugby career and then

I had a hamstring injury. I think it needs to be the right person, at the right time.

“But I was saying to my mum the other day that I want a girl and I’m now ready to settle down.”

Surprise

Fans will see Jacques, right, enter the villa on tonight’s show – much to the surprise of Gemma, who has just re-coupled with Luca Bish.

Gemma is also being pursued by Italian stallion Davide Sancliment­i, 27.

But former lover Jacques made it clear he wouldn’t let the competitio­n stand in his way.

The confident contestant boasted he “isn’t arsed” about stepping on anyone’s toes and would go for what he wanted.

Jacques said: “I do think I am a catch. We all think we’re a catch, don’t we?

“I’m loyal, I’m respectful and I’ve got good manners. I’ll look after someone close to me to the full extent I can.

“I would have a baby in two or three years. I think I’d be good with babies, too. They’d be good looking, wouldn’t they?”

Gemma and Jacques are believed to have parted on good terms.

And she has already talked about her ex on the hit ITV2 show, revealing how her footie star dad Michael and Jacques were close.

Our source said: “There is definitely unfinished business between Gemma and Jacques.

“They still have feelings for each other, so it will be hard to be together and just be friends.”

 ?? ?? FOOT-LOOSE FORWARD: The Castleford player
FOOT-LOOSE FORWARD: The Castleford player

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