GEMMA Owen’s ex-boyfriend Jacques O’Neill quit his professional rugby league contract to enter the villa.
The 23-year-old sportsman played for Super League side Castleford Tigers before signing for the ITV dating show.
His former club issued a statement after it was revealed last night that Jacques is the latest bombshell arrival.
It said: “Castleford Tigers can confirm that the Club has agreed to release Jacques O’Neill from his contract to allow him to pursue another opportunity.”
The club revealed Jacques would be welcomed back with open arms should he choose to return to sport after the show.
“The Tigers have the first option to sign O’Neill back next year should he wish to return to rugby league,” said the club.
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“Known for a fearless attitude on the field by Castleford supporters, the Cumbrian born 23-year-old is a proud product of the Tigers’ youth system having come through both our Scholarship and Academy programmes before making his Super League debut.”
On last night’s Love Island a sneak peek at the next episode briefly featured Jacques’ face.
Gemma could be heard saying: “Oh my god. That is my ex boyfriend.”
Many fans think that it’s a ploy to get Gemma to finally talk about her famous dad – ex England star Michael Owen.
One wrote on Twitter: “It’ll be Gemma’s ex boyfriend. The pre-planned way for producers to have someone other than Gemma spill who her dad is.”
A second said: “Imagine if Gemma’s ex spills who her dad is.”
“Gemma’s dad is about to get revealed her ex is coming in to spill the beans,” a third added.
