Ronan Keating, 48, hates being called 'grandpa' to his Love Island star son Jack's daughter Maya because it makes him feel 'too old'

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Published: 17:50 GMT, 3 February 2026 | Updated: 17:52 GMT, 3 February 2026

Ronan Keating became a grandfather at 46 when his elder son Jack's ex-girlfriend, Keely Iqbal, gave birth to a daughter, Maya, in 2023.

But the pop star is still reluctant to be called 'Grandpa', says Jack, 26, whose mother is Ronan's first wife, the model Yvonne Connolly, 51.

'My mam has fully embraced the Granny title – she absolutely loves it,' Jack told the Daily Mail. 'My dad loves being a grandad, but he doesn't like being called Grandad.'

The TV personality, who is currently starring on Love Island, added: 'He likes being called Pops, or Papa. I think it makes him feel a bit too old.'

Jack first appeared on the eighth series of Love Island in 2022 and lasted just five days before he was dumped from the show.

He re-entered the villa for a second shot at romance last month after splitting from his ex, midwife Abby Phillips, at the end of 2024.

Ronan Keating became a grandfather at 46 when his elder son Jack's ex-girlfriend, Keely Iqbal, gave birth to a daughter, Maya, in 2023 (Ronan and Jack pictured)

'My mam has fully embraced the Granny title – she absolutely loves it,' Jack told the Daily Mail. 'My dad loves being a grandad, but he doesn't like being called Grandad'

In March 2023, Jack announced on Instagram he had welcomed daughter Maya, sparking speculation from viewers who quickly worked out timings that he took part in the summer series despite knowing he was to be a dad.

But Jack has insisted it was a complete shock and revealing to the nation he had become a parent in secret was 'terrifying.'

He later told Daily Mail: 'As soon as I came off Love Island, seven months later, I became a dad. No, I didn't know before going on the show.

'Adjusting to life after Love Island was hard enough but then I had to deal with being a father… But it has been the most amazing year and a half of my entire life.'

Last week, Love Island: All Stars viewers cringed as they watched Jack Keating try to make his move on Whitney Adebayo on Thursday night's episode.

The son of Ronan begged a reluctant Whitney, 28, for a kiss on the day beds.

The pair shared a 'peck' on the lips, after Whitney said she didn't want to smooch any further because Konnor Ewudsi was watching on.

Konnor, 30, arrived as a bombshell and recoupled with Whitney, taking her away from Jack.

Jack first appeared on the eighth series of Love Island in 2022 and lasted just five days before he was dumped from the show. He re-entered last month (pictured) for a second shot

Love Island: All Stars viewers cringed as they watched Jack try to make his move on Whitney Adebayo during last week's episode

Watching the painful scenes, fans were unconvinced by the blossoming romance as they wrote on X: 'All Jack wants to do is kiss' and 'Can Jack stop asking for kisses it's so cringe';

'Sorry Jack has Zero game. Can't flirt, Everything is I would love a kiss';

'The only thing that comes out from Jack's mouth when he speaks to Whitney "I want to kiss you... I would love a kiss". He needs to have more personality';

Jack and Whitney were paired together when the show launched but any potential romance was deterred after Whitney admitted she would never date anyone with a child.

However, she then decided to make a U-turn on her decision, with the pair then kissing on the terrace.