‘WHY CAN'T I BE A SHEPHERD AND WEAR HEELS?'

OUR YORKSHIRE FARM’S AMANDA OWEN – AKA THE YORKSHIRE SHEPHERDESS – CHATS PARENTING RURAL LIFE AND WHY SHE’LL NEVER CONFORM TO STEREOTYPES

- ANNA MATHESON

It’s been quite the week for Amanda Owen. Alongside her nine children, a flock of 1,000 sheep and the busy working farm she runs, she’s also had to contend with reports her marriage to husband Clive is in turmoil – stories that prompted him and Amanda to speak out in a strongly worded joint statement.

“We’re a normal family and we’ve never said our marriage is perfect,” the pair, who are known for their smash-hit show Our Yorkshire Farm, explained. “With the TV show and the books we’ve always aimed to show the reality of life on the farm, and just like any marriage we have our stresses and strains, coupled with all the complexities of what we do on the farm and bringing up nine kids.”

They also confirmed they had been going through “a rocky patch”.

We caught up with 47-year-old Amanda just before the rumours went into overdrive, and as we chatted there was no hint that anything was wrong. In fact, the star, who is promoting her new book, Celebrating The Seasons With The Yorkshire Shepherdess, was chatty and all smiles – exactly as you see her on TV.

Millions of viewers tune in to watch the family’s remote daily life in Swaledale, where it’s not unusual for them to get snowed in or find themselves without electricity. From planning ahead by bulk-buying sacks of potatoes, to the kids chipping in with chores, Amanda hopes her book will answer fans’ main question – exactly how does she feed her large brood?