Exclusive: Reuben Owen and his girlfriend Jess Ellwood have officially moved in together, but they already have a third member in their relationship. Fluff, a three-week-old lamb, has become an irresistible addition to their family. Jess explained: 'We have a new pet. This is Fluff. She's quite precious. Lambing can be tough... lots can go wrong. When Fluff was born, her mum accidentally stood on her leg and it broke. So, we've taken her in and she's going to be our pet sheep now - she'll live with us forever. She's even been in the house, sleeping on a blanket.'
A New Addition to the Family
Reuben is equally smitten with Fluff. He said: 'Our first pet, although she's more like our child the way we look after her. She's so cute. When she sees Jess her little face absolutely lights up. She's starting to get to know her name now too.' The couple, stars of Channel 5's Reuben Owen: Life in the Dales, met at a Young Farmers' convention in 2024 and went public with their romance that November. Now 22, Reuben has moved into Jess's family farm at Brough Castle in Cumbria.
Life on the Farm
Reuben runs a machinery business at Ravenseat, a 2,000-acre family farm in Swaledale, North Yorkshire, though he now keeps many of his diggers at Brough. He found fame on Our Yorkshire Farm with his parents Amanda and Clive, who split in 2022, and his siblings. His own show has become a massive hit, and he and Jess are seen as a poster pair for young farmers. Reuben said of Jess's family: 'They've taken me in and welcomed me with open arms. It's nice to be able to spend all my time with Jess.'
Working Together
Jess added: 'He was there all the time anyway, it just made sense. It's so lovely living together, really special.' The couple enjoy date nights out for meals and a holiday to Cyprus last year, but mostly they cosy up with fish and chips or a Chinese takeaway after long days of work. Lambing season has been particularly intense, with Jess putting in 15-hour days. She said: 'I was with the sheep until 10pm last night. It's not a 9 to 5 - or a job for the faint hearted.'
The New Series
The latest series of Reuben Owen: Life in the Dales, airing from May 5 on Channel 5, shows Reuben working hard on his machinery business, which he started with help from his dad Clive, who turns 70 on the show. The family celebrates with a hot air balloon ride over Brough Castle. Reuben said: 'Oh it's a brilliant moment. I'll remember it forever!' He credits his parents for his work ethic: 'Mum and Dad - I'm very proud of the pair of them. They've worked hard and they've both got all sorts.'
Keeping Traditions Alive
Reuben's passion for heavy machinery comes from his grandfather, a mechanic. He said: 'Mum and Dad have always been farming orientated. But my mum's dad was a mechanic - and I think his skills skipped a generation and came to me.' Jess added: 'Working with your family is such a gift. To spend that time together is precious and that is something that farming gives you.'
Reuben Owen: Life in the Dales airs Tuesday 5th May on Channel 5.
