Love Island fans brand Luca’s romantic nighttime gesture of affection to Gemma ‘creepy’ and 'weird'

(Image credit: ITV)

published 30 June 2022

During Love Island 2022 so far, the secret Hideaway hasn't received too much action. However, tonight's episode saw Luca Bish and Gemma Owen pay it a visit. The couple looked delighted when they were surprised with the prospect of some alone time together—and proceeded to eagerly get ready for an intimate night away without their fellow Islanders, with the pro dressage rider even slipping on lacy lingerie and heels for the occasion.

However, viewers became rather uneasy out when the 19-year-old daughter of Michael Owen debriefed the fellow female contestants about her romantic stay with the fishmonger, 23, the next morning. She explained that he had woken up several times during the night to whisper in her ear adoring phrases like "you're unreal". The response from her audience was to deem the gesture incredibly sweet—however those watching at home (talking of which, here's how to watch Love Island UK) weren't quite so convinced.

In a post on Twitter, one person wrote: "So he wakes up in the middle of the night repetitively, whispers compliments to her and tells her how obsessed he is with her and goes back to sleep. I don't know if that’s cute or creepy." Another shared: "Think I’m the only one who thinks it’s weird Luca whispers in Gemma’s ear in the middle of the night." Another noted: "Romantic or terrifying? Jury's still out." Meanwhile, another took issue with the other female Islanders for suggesting his behavior was normal, adding: "They’re like ‘that’s so sweet’ ???????"

so he wakes up in the middle of the night repetitively , whispers compliments to her and tells her how obsessed he is with her and goes back to sleep . Idk if that’s cute or creepy . And idk if I’m only hating cos I don’t like luca or if this is actually weird …hmm #loveisland pic.twitter.com/j19lVxyKH0June 30, 2022

Think I’m the only one who thinks it’s weird Luca whispers in Gemma’s ear in the middle of the night 😂 #LoveIslandJune 30, 2022

Man said ‘he wakes up in the middle of the night and whispers stuff in my ear’ and they’re like ‘that’s so sweet’ ??????? #Loveisland https://t.co/n7ds4Odd4JJune 30, 2022

Luca wakes up in the middle of the night and whispers in Gemma's ear that he's obsessed with her. Romantic or terrifying? Jury's still out. #LoveIslandJune 30, 2022

Me if Luca whispers something into my ear at night #LoveIsland pic.twitter.com/bNEV01fKcEJune 30, 2022

gemma at 2am being woken up by random whispers 😭#loveisland pic.twitter.com/iP37eJvBpvJune 30, 2022

Whispering aside, it seems that Gemma wasn't too keen to recreate her sexy lapdance for Luca that she had performed during the 'Heart Rate' challenge—and which saw her soccer star dad appear to break his social media silence on his daughter's appearance in the villa. As she strutted around in a a black bodysuit and suspenders, viewers couldn't help but hope that the ex-sportsman was taking a night off from watching TV. One person joked: "Has anyone checked Michael Owen's heart rate?" However he appeared to indicate that he was, indeed, cringing along with everyone else when he shared on Twitter the emoji of a face with eyes peeking through hands.

Elsewhere in the newest instalment of Love Island UK season 8, reunited couple Davide Sanclimenti and Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu went on a date to a sunny vineyard. Just like those watching at home hoped, they got on well—and even shared a kiss part way through their trip out. Last night, they melted hearts as the Turkish actress, 27, chose to recouple with the Italian businessman, also 27. While Ekin-Su has made her feelings clear, Davide is continuing to play hard to get. However, those watching at home were convinced he is actually "in love" with her after witnessing a sweet gesture he made when the pair went for a private chat.

The latest episode had a very dramatic end—with the Love Island cast tasked with choosing one male and one female Islander to dump from the show. You'll have to find out what happens by tuning in tomorrow...

Lauren is a freelance writer and editor with more than six years of digital and magazine experience. Most recently, she has been the Acting Commissioning Editor of Women's Health—where she co-produced the Going For Goal podcast—and has previously also written news and features for titles including The Telegraph, Grazia, Stylist, Dazed, The Sun's Fabulous, Yahoo Style UK and Get The Gloss. She covers all aspects of lifestyle, specializing in health, beauty, and travel. Can't live without: oat milk lattes, new podcast episodes, long walks, and great skincare.