Amanda Owen has fired back at critics branding her a “pretend farmer”, sharing a raw look at the muddy, rain-soaked reality behind her seemingly glamorous public life.
The 51-year-old TV star took to Instagram with a video filmed on her Yorkshire farm, revealing that just hours after appearing on stage as a celebrity, she was back in her waterproofs, loading sheep in the pouring rain. She told followers she was preparing a number of animals to be sold at auction — a routine part of farming life.
Addressing those who accuse her of playing a role for television, Amanda said that anyone doubting her authenticity should “take a look at these hands,” adding that they “tell a different story”.
Her post included a mix of selfies, snaps of her sheep penned for loading, and a photo of her selling stock at Hawes auction mart. The contrast wasn’t lost on Amanda, who captioned her post: “Goodness me, some serious contrasts going on at the moment. It takes some handling — from high glamour to muck midden in no particular order.”
She went on to remind followers of the essential role that real farmers play every single day: “This is what it is all about — grass roots level farming, stockmanship, food on plates and turning out whatever the weather. Keeping the shelves full and our nation fed. Don’t look the other way and pretend that we can manage without farmers, we can’t.”
Fans quickly jumped to her defence, with one writing that Amanda “is a real farmer — and Lordy, she works hard!” Others urged her not to justify herself, saying her actions speak for themselves.
Amanda’s defiant message comes at a heartbreaking moment for the Owen family. She recently revealed the death of their beloved dog Chalky, sharing a touching photo with the caption, “Mourning #Chalky,” along with footage from the pet’s final adventures around Ravenseat Farm. She later reflected: “Chalky’s adventures continued even when her mobility was limited. She never paused.”
Supporters flooded her page with condolences, praising the long, love-filled life Chalky experienced on the farm.
