Michael Owen won't appear on Love Island’s 'meet the parents' episode

Michael Owen has confirmed he won't be appearing on Love Island's meet-the-parents episode.

The former footballer's daughter Gemma Owen is currently starring in the ITV2 show and fans had been hoping Michael might fly out to the Spanish island of Majorca to support her and be introduced to her new man Luca Bish - but the sports star has confirmed he's leaving that job to his wife Louise.

Speaking on Sky Sports' At The Races after watching his horse run, Michael explained: "My wife will do that duty. I’ll represent the horses and she’ll represent the daughter."

Racing fanatic Michael added he has total faith in his daughter, insisting he is less worried about her turn on 'Love Island' than he is about watching his horse Box To Box race.

He added: "I don't know what I'll get from Box To Box. But I know what I'm going to get from my daughter. I've fathered her for 19 years so I’m pretty sure what I'm going to get from her."

'Love Island' regularly features a meet-the-parents episode in which family members are flown out to Majorca and enter the villa to catch up with their loved one and meet their new partner.

It usually takes place towards the end of the series when the couples are more settled and fans had been speculating whether Michael would ever set foot in the villa himself.

The Sun previously reported there was a good chance of seeing Michael on the show as his diary appeared to be clear for that week.

A source said: "he end of July looks to be a golden opportunity for Michael to see Gemma.

"He’s notoriously private and anything could change between now and finals week but, all things considered, the odds on him taking part are better than ever,’ a source added to the publication."

However, despite the snub Gemma will still get the chance to catch up with her mum Louise.

'Love Island' airs at 9pm on ITV2 and ITV Hub. Episodes are available the following morning on BritBox. The dating reality show can be seen in Ireland on Virgin Media Two and Virgin Media Player.