Gemma Owen has revealed how protective she is of younger brother James, after he was diagnosed with a rare eye condition called Stargardt disease.
Former Love Island star Gemma, 20, appeared on ITV's Loose Women on 23 October, alongside her 17 year old brother, who was diagnosed with the disease aged 7, which means he's now classed as 'clinically blind'.
The pair spoke to panelists Ruth Langsford, Brenda Edwards, Janet Street-Porter and Kelle Bryan, as they discussed James' condition and the effect that it's had on his life.
James spoke about being affected by bullies, but credited his famous father, ex-Liverpool footballer Michael Owen, for getting him through some tough times.
As their mum, Louise, watched on proudly from the audience, Gemma spoke about how she stepped up to look after her brother when her mum was struggling emotionally.
She also sweetly admitted that she is 'protective' of James, as she added: "I think at the start it was a little bit of a struggle, he had a few early years quite frustrated but he got to grips with it and is embracing it now.
"I am the protective big sister and seeing his mates having fun and games with him, I did get protective some times."
James also discussed his 'heartbreak' as his 'dreams were crushed' because of his eye condition, as he had hoped to follow in the footsteps of his famous father and enjoy a career in professional football.
He said: "I get asked all the time 'do I play football' and its heartbreaking because when I was younger I dreamed of being a footballer like my dad because he was my inspiration. But I have found new passions and I am a lot happier now."
During the slot on Loose Women, Ruth asked Gemma and James' mum Louise about how she dealt with the news of her son's condition.
She appeared emotional as she said: "To begin with, my husband's [Michael] very optimistic. The glass is half always half full.
"But for me, the thought of there not being any treatment at the moment or any cure was quite hard to deal with and also knowing that progressively the condition was going to get worse."
Michael Owen has previously opened up about James' disease as he spoke about his son not being able to play football professionally.
Speaking to The Times, he said: "He [James] will never be a footballer. My son's got an eye condition. I've never said this. I don't want a big headline. Clinically, he's blind. He's got Stargardt disease, a degeneration of his retina.
"I used to go and watch him and b*****k him about his positioning. He can't see the ball until it's five yards away. As much as every father wants their son to play, it is almost a relief to me."
Michael and his wife Louise are also parents to Emily Owen, 15, and Jessica Owen, 13.
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