Amanda Owen Reflects on the Impact of Our Yorkshire Farm on Her Marriage
Amanda Owen, known as the Yorkshire Shepherdess, recently opened up about the end of her 22-year marriage to sheep farmer Clive Owen. The couple, who were followed by cameras for the observational Channel 5 series Our Yorkshire Farm for four years between 2018 and 2022, announced their divorce, leading to the end of the show. With nine children and a significant age gap, Amanda and Clive have both shared how the pressures of becoming TV stars put a strain on their relationship.
The Pressure of Fame and Success
Amanda Owen’s journey into the spotlight began when their farm was featured on ITV’s The Dales in 2011. As the show gained popularity, Amanda found herself inundated with offers for book deals, TV appearances, and public events. Determined to provide for her family and secure their future, she embraced these opportunities wholeheartedly. However, as her commitments outside of the farm grew, tensions began to rise in her marriage.
Clive Owen, on the other hand, admitted that he had not anticipated the level of fame the show would bring and how much of Amanda’s time would be consumed by promotional activities. Feeling left behind and no longer the primary breadwinner, Clive struggled with feelings of insecurity and resentment towards Amanda’s success. His own battles with depression and coping mechanisms, such as excessive drinking, further exacerbated the strain on their relationship.
The Impact on Their Relationship
As Amanda’s career took off, she found herself spending more time away from the farm and Clive, trying to balance her professional commitments with her family responsibilities. Clive’s reluctance to embrace her newfound success and growing popularity led to arguments and misunderstandings between them. Amanda’s efforts to prove her commitment by juggling multiple tasks only left her feeling exhausted and disconnected from her husband.
Clive acknowledged his shortcomings in the relationship, admitting that his anger and resentment pushed Amanda away. His struggles with mental health and coping mechanisms further fueled the breakdown of their marriage. The couple reflected on how the dynamics of their relationship shifted as Amanda’s career soared, leading to a breakdown in communication and emotional connection.
Navigating Changes and Moving Forward
Despite the challenges they faced, Amanda and Clive have taken responsibility for their roles in the end of their marriage. They have chosen to focus on the future and are now working on a new TV series together, documenting their journey of restoring a derelict farmhouse and exploring its history. While their paths have diverged, they remain committed to co-parenting their nine children and finding a way to navigate their changing circumstances.
The former couple also addressed rumors surrounding Amanda’s relationship with their friend Rob Davies, clarifying that they are no longer together or in touch. They emphasized that their decision to end their TV show was not due to external factors but a result of their own changing priorities and personal growth. As they embark on this new chapter in their lives, Amanda and Clive are determined to focus on their individual paths while maintaining a sense of mutual respect and understanding.