TV & Showbiz

Love Island’s Gemma Owen reportedly ‘dating’ Manchester rapper Bugzy Malone

The 32-year-old grime star is said to be "really into" the 19-year-old former Love Islander.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 17th January 2023

Gemma Owen is now reportedly “dating” Manchester grime rapper Bugzy Malone just two months after splitting from Luca Bish.

The 19-year-old international dressage rider, fashion business owner, and influencer – who is the eldest of four children to former Manchester United and England star Michael Owen – and 23-year-old former fishmonger Luca Bish famously met on last summer’s series of the hit ITV2 reality show Love Island, but announced they had made the decision to split up last November.

Fans will remember Gemma and Luca were not initially ‘coupled up’ when the show first started, but hit it off after the first week or so and remained together for the majority of the series, despite several ups and downs over the eight weeks.

The pair did not become an official couple until the show had ended.

After leaving the villa, Luca asked Gemma to be his girlfriend in, what can only be described as, an extravagant and lavish proposal back in August 2022, and the couple shared the news they had made it official on Instagram.

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After a three-month whirlwind romance, Gemma and Luca announced they had “made the mutual decision to go separate ways”.

Love Island’s Gemma Owen reportedly ‘dating’ Manchester rapper Bugzy Malone / Credit: Gemma Owen & Bugzy Malone (via Instagram)

Now, less than two months after Gemma split from Luca, it’s being reported that the 19-year-old is currently “dating” 32-year-old Bugzy Malone – with the pair’s romance reported to have had the blessing of their family and friends.

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According to reports doing the rounds, the Manchester grime star – whose real name is Aaron Davies, and hails from Crumpsall – is said to be is “really into” the former Love Island contest after the pair have been said to have enjoyed “a few dates”.

A source reportedly close to the pair told The Sun: “Gemma and Aaron have enjoyed a few dates over the past few weeks. They have told their closest friends they are dating and seem really happy together [but] they’re keeping their relationship out of the public eye for now because it is early days.

“He is really into her and has made it clear how he feels.

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“It is all very new and exciting for both of them but they are taking it slowly.”

Gemma Owen and Luca Bish called it quits last November / Credit: Luca Bish (via Instagram)

Bugzy Malone has previously kept his love life out of the public eye, and only revealed the identity of his previous partner of nine years when they got engaged back in December 2019, but if these reports and romantic links to Owen, the rapper and his former fiancée have seemingly called it quits.

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Is there actually any truth to the rumours though? Well, while there has been no official confirmation of a romance, fans will no doubt be keeping their eyes peeled from now on.

Featured Image – Gemma Owen & Bugzy Malone (via Instagram)

TV & Showbiz

Paddy McGuinness admits he thinks Bolton is ‘still in Lancashire’ not Greater Manchester

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Paddy McGuinness has admitted that he believes “Bolton still falls under Lancashire” and not Greater Manchester.

The famous comedian and TV presenter – who was born and raised in Farnworth in 1973, back when it genuinely was still categorised as Lancashire – made the somewhat controversial declaration to his millions of followers on Instagram this week as he shared some pictures of himself that are currently featuring as part of a photography exhibition.

McGuinness is one of dozens of local famous faces forming part of the ‘Greater Mancunians’ project by The Manchester College.

150 students have participated in the landmark photography project – which is currently on display down at Manchester Central Library’s Main Exhibition Hall – and it features images of some of Manchester’s most famous and influential people shot at numerous locations across the city.

Noel Gallagher, Johnny Marr, Ricky Hatton, Andy Burnham, Angela Rayner, Maxine Peake, Jonathan Warburton, and Professor Erinma Bell MBE are among the 100 contributors featured in the project, alongside McGuinness.

The 50-year-old, who is most well-known for his acting and presenting roles in Phoenix Nights, Max and Paddy’s Road To Nowhere, Take Me Out, and Top Gear, says it was “a real honour” to be featured in the exhibition.

McGuinness wrote on Instagram: “It was a real honour to take part in the Greater Mancunians project with the students at The Manchester College. The exhibition is full of people from music, comedy, politics, poetry, television, medicine and beyond.”

He then said it’s “well worth popping in if you’re in town”, before dropping the final Bolton-related bombshell: “PS, I’m still saying Bolton falls under Lancashire.”

In case you’re unfamiliar with the borough’s history, Bolton was considered to be a part of Lancashire until Greater Manchester was formally established all the way back on 1 April 1974 – but still to this day, the town is located within the historic county boundaries of Lancashire.

Paddy McGuinness admits he thinks Bolton is ‘still in Lancashire’, not Greater Manchester (Credit: Wikimedia Commons)

After making the bold claim about Bolton’s geographical location, McGuinness has been met with praise and has received hundreds of comments from other Bolton and wider Greater Manchester residents agreeing with him and sharing their similar opinions under the post.

“I think they should redefine Lancashire back to its old borders, it would bring unity to the area and create a northern powerhouse,” one person commented.

Another fan wrote: “Bolton will always be in Lancashire for me”, while a third commented: “ALWAYS Lancashire. Can’t move land boundaries, they’re not pieces of paper,” a fourth shared a similar sentiment: “They can tell us we’re Greater Manchester, but I know Im a Lancashire lass,” and a fifth added: “Lancashire all the way lad.”

“BOLTON WILL ALWAYS BE LANCASHIRE,” another clearly strong-viewed comment reads.

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It’s always very ‘Stockport is Cheshire‘, isn’t it?

What’s your take then? Do you think Bolton is still in Lancashire, or is it part of Greater Manchester? What about the rest of the boroughs?

We know full well we may have opened a can of worms with this one but that’s all part of the fun.

Featured Images – BBC

TV & Showbiz

Zoe Ball announces death of her ‘dear mama’ just weeks after cancer diagnosis

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson BBC Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball with her beloved mum Julia Peckham. Credit: Instagram @thezoeball

Zoe Ball has said that she is ‘bereft’ after the death of her mum Julia Peckham, just weeks after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

The BBC Radio 2 breakfast show host shared the sad news this morning, writing ‘sleep tight dear Mama’.

Zoe had shared just a matter of weeks ago that her beloved mother had been diagnosed with cancer, later moving to hospice care.

And now tragically, only six weeks after her diagnosis and an ‘incredibly brave’ battle with the disease’, Julia has passed away.

Zoe has been taking some time off air to spend time with family.

Today, sharing a photo of her mum in her younger years, Zoe Ball wrote: “Sleep tight dear Mama.

“Thank you for teaching us how to love unconditionally, to always show courage and empathy, and how, even in the darkest of days, laughter is the greatest of gifts.

BBC Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball has announced the death of her mum Julia Peckham. Credit: Instagram @thezoeball
BBC Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball has announced the death of her mum Julia Peckham. Credit: Instagram @thezoeball
Zoe Ball shared this photo of her mum Julia Peckham when she was diagnosed with cancer. Credit: Instagram @thezoeball
Zoe Ball shared this photo of her mum Julia Peckham when she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Credit: Instagram @thezoeball

“We are bereft without you but will hold so tight to each other. your grace & your smile that lit up every room you were in, will light the stars to guide us.”

She had previously written upon her mum’s diagnosis: “Heartbreakingly our beautiful Mama Julia has been diagnosed with Cancer. As many of you know from experience, these are extremely tough times. Mum is being incredibly brave.

“My brother Jamie & I are completely in awe of the brilliant Doctors, Nurses & support teams looking after Mum. Thank you. Gratitude to our families & our extended family & friends at home & at work for their support at this time.

“Sending out love to people reading this who are battling cancer, or awaiting diagnosis & also to the folk looking after their dear ones who are poorly.”

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Featured image: Instagram @zoetheball

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