GEMMA Owen received a hero's welcome as she returned home following her Love Island journey.

The 19-year-old was one of the current series' most-popular contestants.

But despite that - she and partner Luca Bish ended up second in the ITV2 dating series.

Ekin-Su Culculoglu and Davide Sanclimenti eventually beat them to the £50,000 prize.

Last week, Gemma's dad - former England and Liverpool footballer Michael Owen - spoke of his pride for how she handled herself on the show.

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Since then, Michael - who attended Rector Drew Primary School in Hawarden as a child - has shared pictures of the homecoming party the family threw for Gemma as she arrived home.

Fans were given just a glimpse of the Owen family's £4m Lower Soughton Hall mansion which is located near Mold.

The Leader:

PIC: Love Island-inspired balloons awaited Gemma Owen as she arrived home. Picture: @Themichaelowen/Instagram. 

Michael and Gemma seemingly poked fun at Love Island as they posed for a photo on the 'dreaded' yellow bean bag that she had brought home with her.

Michael wrote: "Welcome home @Gemowen_1 it's good to have you back."

The Leader:

PIC: Guests have fun at Gemma Owen's homecoming party. Picture by @Themichaelowen/Instagram.

Michael shared further photos of a Love Island-inspired balloon arch and a barbecue at the party as family and friends gathered in the gardens.