Britain's oldest farming couple, Steve and Jean Green, have admitted they weren't paid for their early appearances on Channel 5's The Yorkshire Vet, before landing their own spin-off show.
Unpaid Beginnings
In a 2019 interview with The Yorkshire Post, the couple revealed they didn't do the early seasons of the show for money, as they didn't get paid. Their earnings from their spin-off show haven't been made public.
Steve, 96, and Jean, 73, became a hit with viewers on the lifestyle programme showcasing their life on Stoneybrough Farm in Thirsk. They have been farming for decades, rising at 6 o'clock every morning to tend to the animals and make a start on the day.
Refusing to Sell
In a recent episode of the show, they refused to sell their 25-acre farm despite being offered a good price for the land, which could be used for up to 200 houses.
Love for the Attention
The pair admitted they "love" the attention, with Jean explaining: "We don't mind it. The only snag is we get asked if we get money for it, but we say no – we just put Thirsk on the map."
Jean added: "[We get asked for] pictures, autographs. We can't go anywhere without somebody wanting an autograph, or saying 'Can we have a photograph?'" Steve agreed: "All the time we do. People take photos on mobile phones."
Daily Routine
Asked what they love most about farming in Thirsk, Steve said: "It is about as good a place as anywhere. The fresh air. I just enjoy being here." His wife Jean agreed: "We enjoy the atmosphere, getting up in a morning."
As for their daily routine, Jean said working together as a married couple is "hilarious", explaining: "I'm up first, dressed and first in the bathroom, down the stairs. He'll stand on the landing and wait to see how many cats we can get. The cats rush in first thing on a morning. You tumble over the devils! Then I start making breakfast."
