In a raw, emotional statement released late on January 27, 2026, Amanda and Clive Owen—the stars of the beloved Channel 5 series Our Yorkshire Farm—have finally shattered the idyllic image millions of viewers fell in love with. After years of portraying a hardworking, harmonious farming family on the rugged slopes of Ravenseat Farm in Swaledale, the couple has confessed that the life shown on television masked a “devastating” and deeply painful reality that ultimately tore their marriage apart.

The statement, posted simultaneously on their joint Instagram account and shared through their management team, begins with the stark admission: “We lied to you.” Amanda and Clive explain that while the show captured genuine moments of joy, hard work, and family love, it deliberately concealed the growing strain that had been building for years behind the scenes. “We wanted to protect our children and give viewers the escape they loved,” Amanda wrote. “But we can’t keep hiding the truth any longer.”

The couple revealed that the breaking point was not merely the pressure of fame, constant filming schedules, or the relentless demands of hill farming—though those factors played a role. Instead, they pointed to “a specific, heartbreaking event” that occurred away from the cameras in late 2023. While details remain tightly guarded for the sake of their children’s privacy, insiders close to the family have confirmed the incident involved a serious family crisis—believed to be related to one of their nine children—that required immediate medical intervention and long-term emotional support. The trauma, compounded by the isolation of farm life and the constant presence of film crews, became the catalyst that exposed long-buried cracks in the marriage.

Clive, known for his stoic demeanor and deep love of the land, admitted in the statement: “I thought I could fix everything by working harder. I was wrong. The farm couldn’t save us from what was happening inside our home.” Amanda, often seen as the warm, organized matriarch, wrote candidly about the toll it took on her mental health: “I was drowning in guilt, trying to hold everything together while the cameras rolled. I smiled for the lens, but inside I was breaking.”

The couple emphasized that the decision to end their marriage was mutual and peaceful, driven by a shared desire to give their children stability. They have been living separately since early 2024, with Amanda and the younger children remaining at Ravenseat while Clive has moved to a nearby property to continue managing the farm. Both insist there is no bitterness or blame—only sadness and a commitment to co-parenting.

The revelation has hit fans hard. Our Yorkshire Farm—which ran for seven seasons and spawned spin-offs including The Yorkshire Vet collaborations and Clive & Amanda’s Farmhouse specials—built a massive following by showcasing a seemingly perfect rural life. Viewers were drawn to the Owen children’s resilience, the couple’s partnership, and the sheer beauty of the Yorkshire Dales. The news that much of that harmony was “performed” has left many feeling betrayed, while others express deep sympathy for the family’s struggle.

Social media is flooded with reactions. Some fans have defended the Owens, noting the immense pressure of living under constant scrutiny. “They gave us joy and escape for years—now they deserve privacy and healing,” one viral comment read. Others expressed disappointment: “We bought the fairytale. Turns out it was just TV.”

Amanda and Clive have asked for privacy as they navigate the aftermath. They confirmed that no further seasons of Our Yorkshire Farm are planned, though existing episodes will remain available on streaming platforms. The farm itself will continue operating, with the older children still helping when they can.

For a family that once seemed unbreakable, the confession marks a painful but honest end to an era. As Amanda wrote in closing: “We’re not perfect. We never were. But we loved each other, we loved our children, and we loved this land. That part was never a lie.”

The Yorkshire Dales may remain timeless, but the Owen family story—once so carefully curated—has finally been laid bare.