Amanda Owen has revealed what she really thinks about her son Reuben's girlfriend, praising her as a dedicated worker during the latest episode of the family's Channel 4 documentary.
The Yorkshire Shepherdess, her ex-husband Clive and their nine children are currently appearing in the fourth series of Our Farm Next Door: Amanda, Clive and Kids. The show follows the Owen family as they work on their interiors project at Anty John's farmhouse, as well as their day-to-day farming lives in the Yorkshire Dales.
Amanda's praise for Jess
In the episode, which returned to screens on Monday, October 12, Amanda was joined by her eldest son Reuben, her other son Sidney, Reuben's girlfriend Jess, and Martin, who works for Reuben, as they attempted to connect a water supply to the house. The group worked through cold conditions on a windy February morning.
Despite the weather, they managed to bury an underground water pipe connecting the water tank to the house. Amanda was particularly impressed with Jess, who was eager to help out.
She said: "Jess, she's such a worker. She doesn't mind getting her hands dirty. You know, so many people will say, you know, 'Fairweather farmer, happy to stand out there on a good day, you know, with the sun on your face.'"
"But she's right in and amongst it. She's good on the digger, she's great on the tractor. [She's a] really, really hard-working girl. I think it's magic, I think it's wonderful."
Proud of her sons working together
Amanda also spoke about how "proud" she felt to see Reuben and Sidney working together. "It's lovely to see the children working together, especially so with Sid and Reuben, because Sidney idolises Reuben, he really does," she shared.
"I mean, not only do they wear matching clothes, the hi-vis, but he learns a lot from it. Because I was asking [Reuben] who was his mentor. He had, surrounding him, a good few people, older people, who were willing to share their knowledge as to how things worked and how to get on and do things."
"You know, tractor enthusiasts and builders and farmers, who were happy to hear that someone was interested in what they had learned throughout their lifetime. So, it's that passing down of skills. You don't get that sort of knowledge in any sort of book, it's a hands-on kind of a thing. So, seeing them working together, honestly, it makes me really proud."
Reuben and Jess's relationship
Reuben began dating Jess in October 2024, after they met at a young farmers' convention. The couple, known for appearing in Channel 5 series Life in the Dales, recently marked their two-year anniversary.
"2 Year together so many amazing memories. Love you so much @jessica.ellwood1," Reuben wrote on Instagram, with fans sharing their well wishes. "Happy Anniversary to you both," one person wrote. Another added: "Gorgeous couple!" A third fan said: "Congratulations on your anniversary, here's to many more years making memories together."
Our Farm Next Door: Amanda, Clive and Kids airs Monday nights at 9pm on More4.
