Reuben Owen Opens Up on Parents’ Split, New Romance, and Why He’s Ditching Fame for Farm Life

Reuben Owen may have grown up under the glare of television cameras, but at 21, the young farmer is forging a very different path—one that trades media exposure for muddy boots, machinery, and personal peace.

Best known for his appearances on Our Yorkshire Farm, the popular Channel 5 series that followed the Owen family’s life on Ravenseat Farm in the Yorkshire Dales, Reuben is now starring in his own spinoff, Reuben Owen: Life in the Dales. The new series offers fans a glimpse into the next chapter of his life—but it also marks a clear departure from his past.

Speaking openly for the first time about his life outside the show, Reuben shared insights that reflect a young man focused not on fame, but on authenticity.

“I don’t want a career on television,” he said plainly. “I want to be known as the guy who digs big holes.”

And he means it. Having launched his own Groundwork business, Reuben is pursuing his passion for heavy machinery with a single-minded drive. “If you do ever see me on my phone,” he added, “I’ll be searching for machinery sales.”

For Reuben, the pinnacle of success wasn’t TV ratings or social media likes—it was seeing his name printed on his very own digger.

“It was the highlight of my life,” he admitted.

This earthy ambition stands in stark contrast to the public spotlight that has followed the Owen family for years. First appearing on Our Yorkshire Farm as a teenager, Reuben became a familiar face to millions of viewers as he helped his parents, Amanda and Clive, manage the sprawling Swaledale farm alongside his eight siblings.

But as the cameras chronicled the family’s rural idyll, life behind the scenes was evolving. In 2022, Amanda and Clive announced the end of their 22-year marriage—a revelation that made headlines and prompted speculation about tensions behind the farm gates.

For the first time, Reuben is speaking publicly about his parents’ separation, choosing to frame it with honesty and maturity.

“I know how it went, and it was all very amicable,” he told The Telegraph. “They grew apart and split up, but they are still brilliant parents, whether they’re together or not.”

He also addressed the ongoing public scrutiny that has followed the family since their rise to fame. “Every now and again, there will be a headline about some little thing that has been blown up out of all proportion,” he said. “But you can’t be on telly and then expect people not to be interested in what you’re doing off-screen.”

Despite the split, Amanda and Clive continue to co-parent and co-farm, appearing in Our Farm Next Door, another Channel 5 show that highlights life after their divorce. Their ability to remain cordial and collaborative is something Reuben clearly respects.

But while his parents remain in the public eye, Reuben seems intent on creating distance from the trappings of celebrity. His Instagram account is more likely to showcase tractors and excavation projects than fashion shoots or promotional selfies. And when it does turn personal, it’s to spotlight something real—like his relationship with girlfriend Jessica.

The couple met at a Young Farmers’ event, and according to Reuben, they’ve been “thick as thieves” ever since. Jessica, who shares his farming background, has been warmly welcomed by fans during appearances on Life in the Dales.

“She’s so beautiful,” Reuben gushed in a social media post, adding that she’s brought light into his life—and his camera roll, which previously consisted mostly of diggers and stones. “It’s not just my life that’s been brightened up since I met Jess,” he wrote.

Jessica responded just as affectionately: “I love you so much! You are my world xxxx.”

Their relationship is one rooted in shared values—hard work, community, and a love for rural life. And while the cameras are still rolling for now, Reuben makes it clear that his long-term goals lie firmly off-screen.

With the second season of Reuben Owen: Life in the Dales now airing, audiences can watch him as he expands his business, navigates adult responsibilities, and continues to define himself outside his famous family’s shadow.

In a media landscape where reality TV fame often leads to influencer deals and tabloid drama, Reuben’s grounded approach offers a refreshing counterpoint. He’s a young man shaped by the land, not the limelight—and he wouldn’t have it any other way.

“My current ambition is to buy a 50-ton excavator,” he said with a grin. “Now, that really would be the realization of a dream.”

For Reuben Owen, success isn’t about trending topics or glossy covers. It’s about grit, love, and the satisfaction of building something real—one scoop of earth at a time.