Michael Owen, his wife Louise, and their daughter Gemma Owen appeared on BBC Breakfast to promote their upcoming Prime Video docuseries, "Meet the Owens." During the television appearance, the family addressed the public's perception of Michael as "boring" and discussed his transition from a high-profile football career to the world of horse racing.

Gemma Owen, who gained public attention as a contestant on Love Island, defended her father, stating that the documentary would reveal a different, more entertaining side to him. "Everyone thinks that he is boring but I think they will see a different side to him," she said.

Michael Owen, a former professional footballer who played for clubs including Liverpool and Real Madrid, acknowledged that his children often tease him about his perceived lack of excitement. "My kids always say 'dad everyone thinks you're dead boring,'" he shared.

The new series, "Meet the Owens," reportedly follows a year in the life of the family, documenting their efforts to balance Michael's horse racing business with their home life. Michael Owen explained that the initial idea for the show was to promote his stables, but as filming progressed, the experience became more integrated into their lives. He emphasized their desire for an authentic, unscripted portrayal of their experiences.

Transition to Horse Racing

Since retiring from football in 2013, Owen has shifted his focus to owning and training racehorses. He previously earned approximately £110,000 per week during his playing career with Newcastle United. However, his new venture into horse racing has presented significant financial challenges. "The biggest challenge is the financial side," Owen admitted. "It's a bloody hard business and I can't keep haemorrhaging money."

Despite an estimated net worth of £54.4 million, Owen expressed the need for careful financial management in his current career. He recounted instances where he was outbid at auctions by wealthy individuals and foreign royal families for horses, with his preferred price range for a horse being between £30,000 and £100,000. In one instance, he spent £273,000 on three horses.

Louise Owen expressed her concerns about her husband's spending habits, noting that he is more inclined to invest heavily in horses than in household matters. "Michael is very odd about spending money," she commented. "He won't think twice about spending money on a horse, but if the kids leave a light on in the house he will hit the roof!"

Reflecting on Football and Media Appearances

Owen also reflected on his transition out of professional football, describing the loss of adulation and the constant validation he experienced as a player. He mentioned that injuries significantly impacted his performance in the latter stages of his career, leading him to feel embarrassed and eager to retire. "I've come to realise I need a purpose in life," he stated.

He also touched upon his appearance on the reality TV show "The Masked Singer" in 2022, where he performed as 'Doughnuts.' While his daughter Emily cringed at his performance, Michael confessed that the financial incentive was a primary motivator, though he later expressed pride in the experience. His daughter Jessica noted his performance was "definitely the entertainment" but was glad he was voted out.

"Meet the Owens" is a six-part docuseries produced by Whisper. The series will also explore the family's home life, including the aspirations of their children: Jessica aims to become an Olympic showjumping champion, Emily is pursuing university, and James is considering joining the family business.

All six episodes of "Meet the Owens" are set to stream on Prime Video starting August 28, 2026.