One of Reuben Owen's co-stars on the Channel 5 show Life in the Dales has opened up about a terrifying bull incident that left him hospitalised. Dave Ellwood, whose daughter Jess is in a relationship with the show's lead Reuben, shared his ordeal during the latest episode of the programme.
The Incident
Dave was on his way to collect a bull as a surprise for Jess while she and Reuben were holidaying in Cyprus. He recounted the incident from 15 years ago, explaining that he was airlifted to hospital and sustained multiple injuries. The show's narrator explained: "Dave has good reason to be cautious with a new bull after a frightening accident 15 years ago."
"Yeah, he rung me into some girders, didn't he, and threw me about a bit," Dave recalled. "And, uh, yeah, he made a mess of us, didn't he?" When asked about his time in intensive care, he responded: "A couple of days, weren't I? I went in the air ambulance to Middlesbrough. They found out, what was it, nine broken ribs and a ruptured spleen." "Yeah, he had made a good job," he added, referring to the bull.
Reuben's Journey
The series chronicles Reuben's journey building his machinery business. He rose to prominence on Our Yorkshire Farm alongside his parents, Yorkshire Shepherdess Amanda and farmer Clive, plus his eight siblings, before securing his own Channel 5 spin-off.
Other Challenges
During another moment in the episode, Reuben and his colleagues Sonny and Capper faced difficulties when Capper became trapped in a bog. The three had been excavating a pond when Capper found himself stuck, discovering he couldn't free his legs, which were submerged in mud up to his knees. "I can't get out!" he cried out as Sonny began attempting to extract him. "How has that happened?" Capper asked. "I'm 6ft 6", and now I'm two foot tall."
Coming up with a plan, Sonny said: "All right, I'm going to chuck myself back, but you are going to hold on. Come on. Step, one step. Come on, come on." However, Capper struggled, explaining: "I'll push myself further down, Sonny!" The narrator explained: "Capper's sinking lower by the minute." Luckily, as Sonny kept pulling, Capper began to break free from the mud, letting out groans as he hauled himself up onto the bank. Reuben looked amused as he watched Sonny drag Capper from the marshy ground, teasing: "I don't understand how you two have survived to the ages you are!"
Reuben Owen: Life in the Dales airs on Channel 5.
