Our Yorkshire Farm’s Amanda Owen split from husband of 21 years after ‘growing close to cameraman’
OUR Yorkshire Farm star Amanda Owen’s marriage of 21 years finally broke down after she grew close to a cameraman working on the hit series.
The mother-of-nine, 47, confirmed on Thursday that she and co-star Clive, 66, were separating, eight months after The Sun revealed their break-up.
But the former model isn’t letting the impending divorce get her down — as she is planning to reinvent herself as a ‘sexy shepherdess” and bag her own show.
Hours after the split, a local told The Sun: “There’s been a persistent rumour in the Dales for ages that Amanda had grown close to a cameraman on set.
“It wouldn’t be a surprise if Clive had got wind of them, they really were doing the rounds for a while.
“But there is no suggestion of any affair, this was just scurrilous mischief-making from bored locals who had seen Amanda spending nights away from the farm.”
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Amanda and Clive became unlikely stars following the success of the Channel 5 docuseries , which has attracted millions of viewers.
The larger-than-life family were dubbed “the Kardashians of the countryside” and made cult viewing courtesy of the couple’s parenting values, which saw them encourage their nine children - aged between 5 and 21 - to snub modern technology and embrace the great outdoors while also working on the Ravenseat Farm.
Amanda, nicknamed the Yorkshire Shepherdess, sees herself as very much the breakout star and is keen to build on the platform the show has given her, believing she can land higher profile TV gigs and even her own show.
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The Sun can reveal Amanda has booked in meetings with TV execs and even taken on a PR agency, while Clive continues to be unrepresented.
A TV insider said: “Amanda has everything going for her, likeability, knowledge, beauty, PR nous and, crucially, she’s a natural on camera.
“She’s incredibly smart and showbiz savvy, and her natural warmth has made her a hit with all demographics.
“As has been seen with Jeremy Clarkson’s smash series, there’s a real desire for these types of farming shows. There is absolutely no reason she can’t carry a format solo.
“Clive never really wanted to be in front of the camera, Amanda was very much the driving force behind their success.
“This is now her golden opportunity to shine and start earning millions as a solo commodity, through both brand endorsements and a new show.
“Other channels and streaming services are already sniffing around her.”
There’s been a persistent rumour in the Dales for ages that Amanda had grown close to a camera man on set
Amanda and Clive’s marriage struggles came to light in October last year when we revealed she was spending time away from the family home in Swaledale.
The pair desperately tried to keep their problems underwraps, knowing any cracks in their relationship would jar with the narrative of Amanda’s latest book, which hails the virtues of family life.
We told how Clive, who was previously married for 13 years — from which he has two grown-up children, was “desperate” to heal tensions, even though they discussed getting a divorce in December.
He managed to convince Amanda to give the marriage another go, hoping a tight-knit family Christmas would encourage Amanda to stay with him.
But unfortunately for Clive the relationship was doomed and could only last a matter of months afterwards, with the pair conceding it was effectively over when The Sun first reported they were on the rocks.
Amanda confirmed the split on Instagram, writing: “Clive and I are sad to confirm that we have made the difficult decision to separate.”
She continued: “This hasn’t been easy, but we both believe it’s the right choice for the future of our family.
“Although we are no longer a couple, we continue to work on the farm and co-parent together, with our number one priority the happiness and well-being of our children.”
According to locals, Amanda has barely been seen around the farm in recent weeks but she was working at Ravenseat yesterday (Fri) wearing her wellies and overcoat while her 4x4 was parked outside the farmhouse.
She refused to comment when approached and is believed to be living nearby.
A farmworker told The Sun: “Amanda has been here working but Clive is away for the day. Neither want to talk about their lives.”
Despite their split it’s likely the former couple will still have to work together in order to keep the farm in business.
Amanda and Clive are getting on as best they can but it must be hard having to see each other every day
A source close to them added: “They are stuck with each other even though they’re divorcing.
“They continue to run the farm together and they have nine lovely kids to bring up between them.
“They’re getting on as best they can but it must be hard having to see each other every day even though they’re no longer living together.
“It’s not just for the telly - they have a real farm to run and it’s hard graft, which neither of them shirk.”
Earlier this week, Amanda made an appearance at the Hay Festival of Literature & Arts in which she revealed receiving a warning from social services over her nine children and her parenting style.
She explained: she said: “I don’t see myself as a perfect parent.
“I got a yellow flag from social services... I believe there is a happy medium whereby you do let the kids climb trees.
“Yes, they haven’t got harnesses on or hard hats, but I believe there are some lessons to be learned that don’t necessarily result in instant death but actually learn your own parameters.”
Our Yorkshire Farm came under fire in 2018 after showing scenes that appeared to breach health and safety.
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Amanda and Clive’s younger children were seen driving quad bikes without helmets and riding in tractor cabs and on trailers without guardrails.
The antics caught the attention of the workers’ union Unite, which raised concerns at the time but amounted to nothing.
