Amanda Owen breaks silence on ex Clive Owen and life with nine children — ‘There was never a plan’”

It’s been three years since Britain’s beloved “Yorkshire Shepherdess,” Amanda Owen, confirmed the end of her marriage to Clive Owen — but it seems the topic is still very much alive. During her recent appearance on ITV’s popular daytime chat show, Amanda subtly took a swipe at her ex while reflecting on life after separation, her large family, and the beauty of embracing life’s unpredictability.

Appearing on Wednesday’s edition of the show (October 29), Amanda joined hosts Jane Moore, GK Barry, Judi Love, and Mariella Frostup to discuss her new festive release, Christmas Tales from the Farm. However, the conversation quickly shifted from the new book to her bustling family life at Ravenseat Farm — a topic Amanda knows too well.

When host Jane asked about her nine children, Mariella jokingly interjected, “It’s nearly a football team!” The room erupted in laughter before Jane followed up: “So, what’s the age range?”

Caught off guard, Amanda grinned and replied, “Don’t put me on the spot like that,” before admitting, “The youngest is eight, and the oldest is twenty-three.”

That light-hearted exchange soon gave way to an even more candid moment when Judi Love asked, “Did you plan to have nine?” Amanda’s response drew laughter and curiosity in equal measure: “Plan? Oh, God, no! There was never any family planning — it wasn’t the plan at all. It was just about finding the right place.”

To many viewers, that playful remark sounded like a subtle dig at her ex-husband, Clive, as she hinted at a more spontaneous, independent spirit guiding her life choices — a marked contrast to the structured life she once shared with him.

Amanda rose to national fame through Our Yorkshire Farm, the Channel 5 series that debuted in 2018 and documented the ups and downs of running a traditional sheep farm in the rugged Dales. Alongside Clive and their nine children, she offered viewers a heartfelt look into the triumphs and challenges of life in one of Britain’s most remote corners.

Though the couple officially parted ways in 2022 after more than two decades together, they have maintained a close working relationship. Their bond as parents — and business partners — remains strong. In 2024, the pair returned to screens with Our Farm Next Door, a Channel 4 spin-off series following the family’s efforts to renovate a dilapidated farmhouse close to their original property.

Despite the ups and downs, Amanda appears to be embracing a new chapter with grace, humour, and fierce independence. At 51, she recently joked that she’d have loved a tenth child but now feels she’s “too old” for that adventure.

While her days of baby bottles may be behind her, Amanda’s story continues to inspire — a tale of perseverance, family bonds, and the courage to keep building even when life changes direction.

FAQ

Q: Who is Amanda Owen?
A: Amanda Owen is a British shepherdess, author, and television personality best known for Our Yorkshire Farm, which chronicled life with her husband Clive Owen and their nine children at Ravenseat Farm.

Q: When did Amanda and Clive Owen separate?
A: The couple announced their separation in 2022 after more than 22 years of marriage.

Q: What new project is Amanda working on?
A: Amanda recently released a new book titled Christmas Tales from the Farm, celebrating family, farming, and festive traditions.

Q: Do Amanda and Clive still work together?
A: Yes. Despite their split, they continue to co-parent and manage their farming ventures, including their recent show Our Farm Next Door.

Q: How many children do they have?
A: Amanda and Clive share nine children, aged between eight and twenty-three.