Love Island’s Gabby Allen looking forward to her first Christmas in five years since dad died thanks to boyfriend Marcel Sommerville
It was revealed in the summer how the reality babe was battling a secret heartache after her father passed away
LOVE Island star Gabby Allen has revealed she is looking forward to Christmas for the first time since her father died, and it's all thanks to her boyfriend Marcel Somerville.
Her dad passed away over the festive season, aged 54, five years ago, and she has been in mourning ever since.
The reality star has found it hard to celebrate Christmas following the tragic loss of her father, but this year she has her man to cheer her up.
Speaking to the Daily Star Sunday she said: "Seeing dad so sick really put a dampener on Christmas and since then I've had horrible memories of that year.
"It was a really tough time. He was diagnosed in March then died the following January. So it happened really quickly."
She added: "Going through everything means I've been a Scrooge for the past five years - I have hated Christmas.
"But Marcel has been so lovely and told me to get ready for the most love-filled Christmas ever this year.
"This is the first one I've looked forward to since I lost my dad.
"We both have grandparents who aren't well, so we won't be together on Christmas Day.
"But we'll have another Christmas together with each other's families. It's worked out great because now we'll have three Christmasses."
Gabby revealed how her family always spend time remembering her dad on the big day.
She said: "On Christmas morning we go to his grave for a little time because it's important to pay our respects.
"The funny thing is, if my dad could see us he'd be saying: 'What the bloody hell are you doing?' He'd rather we were in the pub having a drink.
"Then my mum usually has a little cry and we chat about dad. Then we get on with the day."
More on Gabby Allen
It was revealed in the summer how Gabby was battling the pain of losing her dad whilst in the villa.
A source at the time told the Daily Star: “Gabby’s dad passed from brain cancer 4 four years ago when she was at college.
It was reported that Gabby and her family had little notice following diagnosis before her father passed away.
The source continued: “Her dad was her best friend, she has an incredible family, her mother and brother and Gabby have supported each other immensely the past few years.
It was believed the love hopeful brought a memento of her father to Love Island: “We’re aware the sunglasses Gabby wears on the show were her father’s and they’re her good luck charm."
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