A REALITY TV star has spoken for the first time about how England football hero Michael Owen told her that his marriage was a “sham” — as he asked her for nude pictures.

Owen, 42, was at the centre of a scandal last year over his messages to ex-Big Brother contestant Rebecca Jane, 37.

6Rebecca Jane has spoken for the first time about how England football hero Michael Owen told her his marriage was a ‘sham’ — as he asked her for nude pictures.Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

6The reality TV star says Owen said he was in a marriage of convenience with childhood sweetheart Louise Bonsall, above, and was ‘keeping up appearances’Credit: Getty – Contributor

6Footie legend Michael Owen on the pitch for EnglandCredit: Offside

He and Louise founded a stables business in Cheshire and since retiring from football, Michael has worked as a pundit and covered last weekend’s Liverpool v Real Madrid Champions League Final for BT Sport.

6Michael with daughter Gemma who will be heading to the Love Island villaCredit: Instagram/themichaelowen

6Former Big Brother star Rebecca lost her job at a mental health charity after the story came outCredit: PA:Press Association

6Michael has worked as a pundit and covered last weekend’s Liverpool v Real Madrid Champions League Final for BT Sport