Love Island star Gemma Owen was left “heartbroken and shocked” following the passing of her favourite horse.
The television personality, who appeared on the ITV2 dating show last year, is a keen dressage rider, but shared the tragic news that her horse, Siz, had died on Friday.
“On Friday we lost my horse of a lifetime due to a sudden and severe illness,” she wrote in an emotional Instagram post, which included a montage of her with Siz. “Words can’t describe how much this horse meant to me and my family, he was truly one in a million.
Related: Love Island's Teddy Soares responds to Faye Winter split rumours
“Everyone who met Siz will know how amazing and caring his temperament was. He was taken far too soon, he has left us all heartbroken and in complete shock.
“You taught me so much Siz and I will never be able to thank you enough, you brought so much joy and happiness to our lives and you’ll never be replaced. I love you endlessly.”
Gemma was partnered with Luca Bish on Love Island, eventually finishing in second place behind Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu and Davide Sanclimenti. She split from Luca in November, saying a break-up was the “best” thing for the pair.
She recently denied the rumours that she was dating rapper Bugzy Malone, saying that she had never met him: “I have never met or spoken to him and we don't follow each other on social media.”
Related: Hollyoaks star talks 'weirdness' of watching ex on Love Island
“I am not dating and I am definitely single. Just after Christmas, I had much-needed time with my family and friends and I am working on myself. I am not going to date anytime soon and I'm not looking,” she continued.
“On a personal level, I want to work on my happiness and investing time in people close to me, my family and friends and just being content in myself.”
The latest series of Love Island is currently airing on ITV2, with the drama intensifying as the latest recoupling ceremony took place.
Love Island airs nightly on ITV2, and is available via catch up on ITVX and BritBox.
