Amanda Owen, known as the Yorkshire Shepherdess from Channel 4's Our Yorkshire Farm and its spin-off Our Farm Next Door, has made a 'scary' admission as her family celebrated a milestone birthday for her youngest daughter Nancy.
In a repeat episode aired on Friday, 26th June, the Owen family gathered to mark Nancy's ninth birthday. The family, including ex-husband Clive and their nine children, came together for the celebration. Reuben Owen and his girlfriend Jess, who star in their own Channel 5 series Life in the Dales, were also present.
Family Gathers for Nancy's Birthday
During the party, eldest daughter Raven noted the rarity of the occasion: 'It is nice to have everyone gathered together, otherwise sometimes it feels like it's only Christmas that you see everybody in the same room.' She added, 'And it's nice to see her just so excited about her birthday. I miss her when I don't see her all the time, I miss all of them, it's just nice to make a bit of a fuss.'
As Nancy blew out the candles on her cake, Reuben joked he thought she was four or five years old. Amanda turned to the family and said, 'Can you imagine, she's actually the little one.'
'Scary Thought' as Children Grow Up
Raven replied, 'In one year from now, mum's going to have no one under single digits children-wise.' Amanda responded, 'That's a bit of a scary thought.'
Reflecting later to the camera, Amanda said, 'The children are growing up, and I suppose, as they're growing up, they're more independent, and more outgoing, for sure.' Nancy sweetly shared, 'You want to stay with your family forever but you want to turn more independent.' She added, 'It's nice being one step older.'
Nancy continued, 'When you're older you can remember that day when everyone was here, no one was busy, they made time to be there for you. I think I forgot to tell people my birthday is tomorrow, not today! Early gifts, early cake, at least that's good!'
Amanda's Thoughts on Farm Education
Amanda has previously spoken about raising her children on the farm and their unique education. Last summer, she shared on Instagram pictures of her daughters feeding chickens, riding horses, and swimming in a river, writing: 'There's schooling and there's schooling. I know that they'll go into class with a faint whiff of horse and scurf on their socks but they'll also have big smiles and a story to tell.'
Fans praised the upbringing, with one commenting, 'Your kids are having a wonderful childhood,' and another adding, 'What they learn from the farm far surpasses anything learnt from a classroom. Fantastic family you have.'
Our Farm Next Door is available to watch on Channel 4.
