The reality show runners-up revealed they had decided to go their ‘separate ways’ after rumors swirled earlier this week when they failed to appear together at ITV’s Palooza event. Owen, the daughter of former football player Michael Owen, told her followers that she was not at the event due to a prior commitment, which was echoed by Bies on the red carpet. On Wednesday afternoon, the 19-year-old announced their split on Instagram, writing: “I wanted to let you know that Luca and I are no longer in a relationship. “It wasn’t an easy decision, but in the end it’s what’s best for us right now. “Many of you have been on this journey with us from the beginning and I want to thank you for your continued support as we embark on new chapters.” Bish shared their last photo as a couple on the night of the fireworks, with the 23-year-old captioning it “experiencing another first with you”. Image: The pair came second in the final series. Photo: ITV/Lifted Entertainment “Mutual decision to go our separate ways” Taking to Instagram, the former fishmonger announced the split with the caveat that he “would like some time to process it [the break-up] particularly”. “I turned my phone back on after taking some time to clear my head after an emotional afternoon with thousands of messages about my breakup,” she wrote. Read more: Love Island hit out over ‘misogyny and controlling behaviour’ Love Island’s new host announced Click to join Backstage wherever you get your podcasts “As you all already know, unfortunately Gemma and I made the joint decision earlier today to go our separate ways. “We’ve been on such a journey together and we’ve made some amazing memories … we’ll remain good friends and I wish nothing but the best for her.” Although the couple didn’t make their relationship official in the villa, they were one of the most serious couples on the show, staying true to each other through Casa Amor and even reuniting after being paired with other contestants. After leaving the villa in Majorca, Bish asked Owen to be his girlfriend during a lavish proposal in August. They missed out on the £50,000 prize after coming second to Ekin-Su Culculoglu and Davide Sanclimenti in the eighth round of the series.
