Our Yorkshire Farm’s Amanda Owen, 51, and Clive, 70, split in 2022 after more than two decades of marriage but have remained co-parenting and running their farm together
Our Yorkshire Farm’s Amanda Owen has had a tough time with her divorce, with friends and family fearing for her wellbeing amid the split. Amanda, 51, and Clive, 70, split in 2022 after increased public scrutiny following their successful Channel 5 documentary that explored life on one of the most remote farms in Britain.
Three years on, Amanda has opened up on the “dark days” she endured following the split after being married for 22 years. Speaking to the Daily Mail, Amanda revealed she battled an eating disorder, as well as anxiety and depression in the months following the breakdown of her marriage.
It was so bad that those close to her feared for her life. Clive recalls it as “the scariest time” and says there were nights when he feared he would not see Amanda the next morning. “I just shut down,” she told the publication. “Physical and mental health are intertwined and anxiety, depression, paranoia, agoraphobia and an eating disorder were all smooshed into one.”
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Her struggles only worsened when cruel trolls began noticing her weight loss and calling her names. While the divorce was rocky, Amanda said there is “no tension” between her and Clive, with the pair remaining close co-parents and owners of the farm.
Clive lives at Ravenseat Farm, while Amanda lives in their holiday rental The Firs that is close by. She added that the divorce took away toxicity in their relationship, allowing their friendship to blossom once again.
She explained: “It’s taken away the sharp edges of two people being together and not getting on. We’re both strong characters, belligerent and pig-headed and there was no one particular problem that needed ironing out. It was a clash of personalities.”
The pair share nine children, with their documentary series showcasing life on the farm raising them. In descending age order, their children are: Raven, 24, Reuben, 22, Miles, 19, Edith, 17, Violet, 15, Sidney, 14, Annas, 12, Clemmy, ten, and nine-year-old Nancy.
Clive insisted they always put the children first, explaining how their children have grown up to be “independent” and “resourceful”. Their eldest Raven has flown the rural nest and is now working in Newcastle full time.
Reuben has his own heavy plant machinery business, which has spawned a spin-off TV show, Reuben Owen: Life In The Dales. Edith has a part-time job in the pub, while the remaining children are in full time education.
While Amanda dated soon after their split, Clive has now also begun seeing new people. “He’s had three,” she added, discussing how many women he had been with since her.
But for Amanda, there is no man currently in her life as she focuses on her health and wellbeing following a difficult few years. While the pair appeared to have the perfect set up in their show, behind closed doors their relationship was falling apart as fame became overwhelming.
Amanda began securing book deals and TV appearances, leaving Clive feeling left behind. While she once left the house in her wellies and muck-proof clothing, she found herself getting glammed up for major events in the city.
“I didn’t want Clive to feel emasculated or make him into a house-husband,” she told the Daily Mail. But rows would often ensue, leading to the pair becoming distant.
Amanda said she had struggled with an eating disorder for years prior to her fame, explaining it was amplified after nine pregnancies changed her body. The media intrusion and public scrutiny became too much, and she found herself back and forth to the hospital seeking help.
“I’m out of the woods now”, she said. Despite occasional relapses and intrusive thoughts, Amanda said she feels more able to handle it with the increased awareness and support she has received.
Christmas Tales From The Farm by Amanda Owen, is out now (£14.99, Puffin)
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