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Amanda Owen: From Modeling to Shepherdess, Love, and Controversy

BBG News

In their initial encounter, Amanda, a young, ambitious model at age 21, and Clive Owen, a 40-year-old single farmer who lived on a hill and was father to two kids, seemed to have few similarities.

However, when she arrived at Ravenseat Farm in Upper Swaledale, North Yorkshire in 1996, harboring dreams of being a shepherdess, it marked the beginning of a relationship that evolved into love, defying their 19-year difference in age.

After nine children and a prosperous career in television and literature, the pair are now divorced, and their supporters have expressed concern for Amanda following her unpredictable actions during her recent appearance on Lorraine. Viewers commented on various social media platforms, noting that she appeared troubled or distressed, leading them to question if she was alright.

Over the past few years, Amanda has faced some challenging times. Her older kids have left for college, and her five-year partnership with Robert Davies, a web designer, has come to an end.

Despite Amanda having secretly parted ways with Clive, making her single, it came as a surprise to Robert’s wife, Yasumi, as she discovered a note from Amanda (the Yorkshire Shepherdess) in Robert’s car and a collection of her belongings stashed away in Yasumi’s bedroom.

Without a doubt, it did slightly tarnish Amanda’s reputation, who was once celebrated as the ‘most genuine’ television personality. Her early days on the farm as a determined and farming-passionate young woman, who valued her role as a hardworking shepherdess over modeling, are now in contrast to her recent circumstances.

Initially, Amanda dreamt of becoming a model, but before she achieved stardom as the ‘Yorkshire Shepherdess’, she found out that the profession didn’t live up to her glamorous expectations.

In the course of their Channel 5 program, Our Yorkshire Farm, she once reminisced by posting an old model photo, looking back on her aspirations and the contrasting truth she encountered.

She expressed: ‘When I imagined becoming a model, I thought I’d grace the covers of magazines like Vogue and Cosmopolitan. Instead, I found myself doing knitting catalogs. It was more about cardigans, floral patterns reminiscent of Princess Diana in the 1980s. Not exactly my cup of tea!’

Standing at 6 feet 2 inches tall, she was first inspired to pursue a similar profession as her modeling mom, Joyce Livingstone.

Instead, after initially wanting to appear on the covers of glossy magazines, Amanda eventually shifted her thoughts and became interested in an entirely new career path. This change was sparked when she discovered a book titled “Hill Shepherd: A Photographic Essay” at her local library.

As she identified with the scenes of shepherds, her enthusiasm for farming and nature gradually grew within her.

She explained: ‘I saw pictures of people doing what I’m doing now, surrounded by skyline. 

Atop a towering mountain, overlooking the vast expanse with their trusty sheepdog and flock, I found myself captivated by every aspect of that book. The scenes, the scenery, the characters – all resonated deeply within me.

As a die-hard enthusiast, I can’t help but marvel at how the creators didn’t sugarcoat the experience; instead, they delivered a raw, rugged, and immersive portrayal that resonated deeply with me. The allure wasn’t merely about working outdoors, but rather, it was the genuine sense of accomplishment that came from actively engaging in the depicted activities that truly captivated me.

She added: ‘Working outside, exposed to weather conditions such as windburn, sunburn, and rain, seemed appealing at first.’

Amanda’s recent discovered enthusiasm guided her to Clive’s doorstep, who at the time was a single parent of two children managing Ravenseat Farm all by himself.

I had my first encounter with her during an unexpected visit one evening, when she asked for a ram, signifying her departure from urban living and her decision to immerse herself in farm life instead.

However, it wasn’t immediate love for Amanda, but upon opening the door to her, Clive found himself smitten when he met the 21-year-old.

He mentioned that he distinctly remembers a woman, who seemed about six feet tall, knocking on the door. She left quite an impression on him. It was impossible not to be captivated by her.

Following her arrival at the farm as an apprentice shepherd, Amanda shared that they initially were only friends. However, their mutual passion for the work drew them even closer.

She mentioned that our relationship developed gradually, more like a gentle warm-up. We became friends first, spending some time together occasionally.

Since neither of us had a farming background, it turns out we were quite similar, although we didn’t realize it back then.

In a conversation with Mail+ following their separation, Amanda disclosed that it was their mutual enthusiasm which initially bonded them.

She penned: ‘I crossed paths with Clive 28 years ago at the age of 21, when he was 40. Despite being raised in an urban environment, I harbored a deep affection for rural living and aspired to become a shepherdess. Unbelievably, our shared love for sheep is what connected us, as Clive was a hill farmer.’

After their 2000 wedding, this couple was blessed with nine children: Raven (age 23), Reuben (age 21), Miles (age 18), Edith (age 16), Violet (age 14), Sidney (age 13), Annas (age 11), Clemmy (age 9), and Nancy (age 8). As the family grew, it became apparent to them that they needed alternative methods to ensure safety and a solid foundation for their large family.

She mentioned that she had been seeking various methods to generate income long before there were television shows and books available.

People walking along the Coast to Coast trail often passed through my farm, which led me to start a small business offering afternoon teas. One of these walkers initially suggested that our farm life could be showcased on television. It wasn’t until 2011 that our farm first appeared on ITV’s The Dales.

Over time, one chance after another unfolded, eventually leading me to author books and speak publicly about rural life. In 2018, we launched our very own farming program called “Our Yorkshire Farm” on Channel 5.

Looking back, perhaps I ought to have been more selective with the number of engagements and appearances I accepted, but at the time, I was fully committed and unwilling to let any chances slip away. My primary goal was to establish a strong foundation for my family – to finally achieve homeownership.

Following widespread acclaim from her frequent Twitter posts showcasing rural farm life, complete with images, she ultimately earned the moniker ‘The Yorkshire Shepherdess.’ This was achieved through a blend of her farming work, TV appearances, and published books.

As a lifestyle enthusiast who’s walked the path of a shepherdess, my journey culminated in penning “The Yorkshire Shepherdess,” published in 2014. This memoir offers an intimate glimpse into my life – from my teenage years in Huddersfield to my present-day role as a rural sheep farmer.

2018 saw the successful debut of the widely acclaimed TV series, Our Yorkshire Farm, for the Owen family. However, the show concluded its run in 2022 – a year that also marked the announcement of Amanda and Clive’s separation.

Fans of the show were disappointed by the news, however, it appears that the Owens had been living separately for several months prior to the announcement, as reported by their friends.

Since late 2021, whispers about marital issues had been circulating, yet these were consistently dismissed by the couple.

Since the end of 2021, rumors of marital discord had been flying around, but they were continually brushed aside by the couple.

Or:
Marital problems have reportedly been brewing since late 2021, but the couple has persistently denied these allegations.

In an unexpected turn of events revealed in April 2023, I found myself in a five-year long relationship with the married businessman, Robert Davies, who is 71 years old. This romantic entanglement has led to me spending time away from my spouse, Clive.

Or,

In an unexpected turn of events that came to light in April 2023, I found myself engaged in a five-year relationship with the married businessman, Robert Davies, who is 71 years old. This romantic involvement has necessitated my temporary separation from my husband, Clive.

Ever since their brief stint away, I find myself utterly captivated by the fact that this dynamic duo has retreated back to Ravenseet Farm nestled in the breathtaking Yorkshire Dales. Now, they’re not just any ordinary residents; they’re bound together by a shared purpose – a ‘joint mission’ if you will – of skillfully managing the farm and nurturing their brood, a family ranging from nine to 23 years old.

Currently, Amanda, Clive, and their children will appear in the forthcoming second season of More4’s Neighboring Farm: Our Next-Door Neighbors.

The Farm Next Door: The Transformation by Amanda, Clive, and Their Children

During the promotion of the show, as she talked about her family dynamics involving her ex and children, Amanda’s behavior sparked curiosity and concern among fans.

Some watching at home took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their concerns. 

One asked: ‘Is Amanda ok? Something doesn’t seem right #Lorraine.’

‘Wow, Amanda is not looking well at all #lorraine’, ‘She doesn’t look well.’

‘She does not look well & yet Lorraine totally oblivious … or ignoring it.’

However, others lauded the television personality on social media for her tireless work ethic, expressing admiration like this: “Amanda Owen, appearing on #lorraine with her 9 children in the Dales, looks amazing! A true superwoman.

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2025-05-06 04:19

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