AMANDA OWEN ADMITS “WE’RE UP AGAINST IT” AS SHE RETURNS TO TV — AND MAKES A SUBTLE DIG AT EX CLIVE

The Yorkshire Shepherdess opens up on Lorraine about life, challenges, and working with her former husband on their latest restoration project.

Yorkshire’s favourite shepherdess, Amanda Owen, has spoken candidly about the challenges of farm life, family, and her unexpected on-screen reunion with ex-husband Clive Owen. Appearing on ITV’s Lorraine this week, the Our Yorkshire Farm star revealed that she and Clive are “up against it” as they continue their ambitious project restoring a 19th-century property in the Dales.

The interview gave fans a glimpse into both the physical and emotional effort behind their new series, Our Farm Next Door, which has become one of Channel 5’s most talked-about rural documentaries. Despite the pair’s separation, they remain united in their commitment to family, farming, and rebuilding their next great venture together.

Back on Screen — and Back to Work

Amanda’s appearance on Lorraine came as Our Farm Next Door enters its next chapter. The series follows the Owens as they transform a historic stone farmhouse near their original Ravenseat property into a sustainable family home and working farm. The project, which has stretched over twenty months, has seen the couple juggle restoration, livestock management, and raising their nine children — all while navigating a changed personal dynamic.

Speaking with host Lorraine Kelly, Amanda didn’t shy away from the realities of her situation.

“Believe me, it’s the idea that we’re just getting on with it,” she said. “There’s plenty to do, plenty of space, and a heap of things always on the go. Let’s be honest — that’s reality!”

Lorraine responded warmly, praising the Owens for showing “what resilience really looks like,” to which Amanda smiled and added, “We’re up against it, but we’re making it work.”

A Subtle Dig — or Just Yorkshire Honesty?

While Amanda avoided any direct criticism of her ex-husband, viewers detected a subtle dig when she discussed how the workload sometimes falls unevenly. “It’s about getting things done, isn’t it?” she said. “There’s no room for sitting about thinking who’s doing what — you just crack on.”

Fans quickly interpreted the remark as a cheeky nod to Clive, who has previously admitted that Amanda “likes things done her way.” Social media was soon buzzing with supportive comments for Amanda’s no-nonsense attitude. One viewer posted, “Classic Amanda — hardworking, blunt, and brilliant,” while another added, “She’s the backbone of that farm.”

Yet despite the speculation, there’s no mistaking the professionalism that still defines the Owen partnership. Both Amanda and Clive have spoken publicly about their shared goal: giving their children and viewers an authentic picture of rural life — complete with its chaos, charm, and challenges.

Restoring ‘Anty John’ — A Labour of Love

The new show’s central focus, the Anty John farmhouse, has become a symbol of the Owens’ resilience. Named after a 19th-century resident, Anthony John Clarkson, the property lies in Swaledale, just a short distance from Ravenseat. The building had sat untouched for generations, its crumbling walls and draughty rooms serving as both a daunting task and an opportunity for renewal.

Over the course of Our Farm Next Door, viewers have watched as Amanda and Clive — alongside their children — tackled everything from stonework and fencing to plumbing and sheep shearing. The second series’ finale, which aired earlier this year, showcased the family’s remarkable progress after nearly two years of restoration work.

Gathering everyone together, Amanda proudly unveiled their latest achievements: restored dry-stone walls, a new barn roof, and the first glimpses of the home’s finished interior. “It’s been twenty months of graft,” she told the cameras, “but we’ve turned something forgotten into something full of life again.”

Life After the Spotlight — But Still in It

Since her rise to fame in Our Yorkshire Farm, Amanda Owen has become one of Britain’s most recognisable rural personalities. Her blend of down-to-earth humour, fierce independence, and genuine passion for traditional farming has earned her a loyal following. Even after her split from Clive in 2022, audiences have continued to rally behind her — admiring her ability to juggle motherhood, media appearances, and manual labour with remarkable energy.

Despite tabloid rumours, Amanda insists that her focus remains firmly on the farm and her children. “The cameras are there to tell a story,” she explained on Lorraine. “But the life goes on, whether they’re rolling or not.”

What’s Next for the Owens

With Our Farm Next Door returning for more episodes, both Amanda and Clive appear determined to keep their story one of collaboration, not conflict. Channel 5 has hinted at expanding the series to explore sustainability and the next generation of farmers — including how the Owens’ older children are starting to take on more responsibility.

Industry insiders say the show’s appeal lies in its authenticity. “It’s not glamourised,” one producer commented. “You see hard work, muddy boots, and the very human side of keeping a farm — even when relationships change.”

As Amanda summed it up on Lorraine,

“Life doesn’t stop just because things change. You adapt, you move forward, and you keep doing what needs to be done.”