Amanda Owen, the beloved star of Channel 5's Our Yorkshire Farm and Channel 4's Our Farm Next Door, has faced a series of emotional farm losses and a critical health struggle away from the cameras. The 50-year-old Yorkshire Shepherdess, who lives at Ravenseat Farm with her ex-husband Clive and their nine children, has spoken candidly about these challenges.
Heartbreaking Losses at the Farm
The Owen family has endured several devastating pet deaths. In 2022, their beloved dog Kate died peacefully in her sleep. Amanda expressed her grief on Twitter, calling Kate a "faithful workmate, companion, colleague and friend," adding, "I miss her."
The family also lost their treasured horse, Little Joe. Amanda reflected on the fragility of life, saying, "Eventually, all life will come to an end, right? Anything can die; life is a truly fragile thing." In a previous episode of Our Farm Next Door, Amanda struggled to contain her emotions after discovering their dog Chalky had died. She recalled, "When the children came running out of the house saying that Chalky had passed away, they were absolutely bereft."
Critical Health Struggle with Eating Disorder
Amanda has openly discussed her battle with an eating disorder that left her fearing for her life. In an interview with the Daily Mail, she said, "I just shut down. Physical and mental health are intertwined and anxiety, depression, paranoia, agoraphobia and an eating disorder were all smooshed into one."
She described hiding in the sheep pens in the dark, adding, "It's the price you pay for living your life in the open, for being observed. It's like having a post mortem before you're dead." The television personality revealed she was repeatedly hospitalised during what she called a "critical time," with her former partner Clive worrying she might not survive the night. Amanda has since reassured fans that she is "out of the woods."
Son's Medical Emergency
More recently, Amanda returned to hospital after her son Miles suffered a medical emergency due to his type one diabetes. She posted on Instagram, "It's been a hard few days but we're all here to tell the tale. I'm super proud of you @milesowen86." The post prompted an outpouring of support from concerned fans.
Our Farm Next Door: Amanda, Clive and Kids is available to stream on Channel 4.
