Stars from Reuben Owen: Life in the Dales were moved to tears while discussing heartbreaking losses. The much-loved farming programme has returned, with the young farmer documenting the ups and downs of his work on his family's farm in Swaledale, North Yorkshire. Reuben first gained recognition alongside his parents Clive and Amanda on Our Yorkshire Farm. He now chronicles various projects in his Channel 5 series, joined by girlfriend Jess and mates Sonny and Capper.
Emotional Conversations About Loss
During a poignant scene in Tuesday's episode, Sonny and Capper stepped away from their duties to reflect on tragic bereavements both have endured. The duo visited a memorial location, where they spoke candidly about the challenging experiences they've encountered at such young ages. Capper said: "When you lose someone, it's hard. It's not nice, so you need somewhere to be where you can just have a moment to yourself."
He continued: "We've both been through it, we've dealt with mourning of family members and best friends. I first dealt with it when I was seven years old, and my best friend when I was 16. He was only 18 when he passed. My pal died in a road accident and I was with him 20 minutes before he died. It was a right wet night, it was horrible. He drove there and never made it back home. About half an hour later, I got the phone call... it was nasty. He was there and then he's not."
Sonny's Heartbreaking Story
Sonny then opened up about an experience he faced, breaking down in tears over a tragic loss. He shared: "I lost my pal, unfortunately to suicide." Wiping away tears, he went on: "He was like a brother, I was speaking to him the night before, got the phone call the next morning. They couldn't bring him back." In the poignant moment, Capper added: "It's ok to not be ok, everyone has their battles and I'm very lucky I've got you boys."
After sharing their struggles, the pair decided to start a project for a men's mental health charity involving vintage motorbikes. "I think our pals would be proud of us," Capper said. Sonny shared: "I've always struggled since he passed, it's hard everyday I think about him." Capper added: "Same for me to be honest," as the pair continued their conversation about mental health.
Fans Show Support
Ahead of the episode airing, Sonny and Capper were supported by fans after a preview clip was shared. One wrote: "Well done lads ... you're helping others to know it's ok not to be ok ... always keep talking." Another said: "What wonderful lads and friends they are. Great that they are talking about this on TV and normalising these feelings in men and showing it's ok not to be ok."
A third wrote: "So wonderful to hear these 2 amazing young men talk so openly and I really hope it helps others to speak up." Someone else added: "What amazing lads and special friendship you all have! Such an inspiration to many young people! Huge respect for being so open and honest as hard as it is. I have a huge respect for you both! You should be so very proud of yourselves amazing xxx." Yet another said: "Amazing lads, so so important for men as well as women and everyone else to be able to feel open and safe to do this, and speaking openly on TV as well, you're amazing, it is OK to not be ok x."
Sonny revealed he carries some of his friend's ashes: "I was lucky I got some of his ashes from his mum... he's always with me, no matter where I go, what I do." Capper goes to his friend's grave once a month and got a tattoo in his memory: "A tattoo on top of my heart... he took a piece of my heart with him so he stays with mine now."
Reuben Owen: Life in the Dales airs Tuesdays from 8pm on Channel 5.
