Reuben Owen, the 21-year-old breakout star of Channel 5’s Reuben Owen: Life in the Dales and son of Our Yorkshire Farm’s Amanda and Clive Owen, has sent fans into a frenzy with news of his plans to leave the UK alongside his girlfriend, Jessica Ellwood. The announcement, teased in social media posts and media reports, comes on the heels of the emotional finale of Life in the Dales’ second series on July 8, 2025, which saw Reuben hint at a major life change. With his heavy plant machinery business thriving and his romance with Jessica blossoming, what’s driving this young Yorkshire entrepreneur to embark on an international journey, and what does it mean for his TV future?
From Ravenseat to the World Stage
Reuben Owen first captured viewers’ hearts on Channel 5’s Our Yorkshire Farm, which followed the Owen family’s life at Ravenseat Farm until its cancellation in 2022 following Amanda and Clive’s separation. The eldest of nine siblings, Reuben emerged as a fan favorite for his passion for machinery and down-to-earth charm. His spin-off, Reuben Owen: Life in the Dales, launched in 2024, chronicling his efforts to build a heavy plant machinery business in the rugged Yorkshire Dales. The second series, which aired from May 20 to July 8, 2025, introduced his new girlfriend, Jessica Ellwood, and showcased his third year in business, complete with challenges like crumbling barn foundations and a 22-tonne digger purchase.
Now, reports indicate that Reuben and Jessica, both 21, are preparing to leave the UK for a bold new venture. While earlier reports from May 2024 suggested Reuben planned to travel to France with his then-girlfriend Sarah Dow and friend Tommy McWhirter, recent updates confirm that he is now set to embark on this journey with Jessica, whom he met at a Young Farmers’ event. The couple’s shared love for farming and machinery has fueled speculation about the nature of their trip, with fans buzzing over whether it’s a temporary adventure or a permanent move.
A Trip Abroad: What We Know
Details about Reuben’s departure remain sparse, but a May 2024 episode of Life in the Dales offered clues, showing Reuben perusing a French guidebook while gathering supplies with his team. Sources from The Mirror and Express.co.uk reported that Reuben, then 18, was excited about his first trip outside the UK, citing lessons learned from his parents’ work ethic at Ravenseat as key to his business success. While those reports referenced his ex-girlfriend Sarah Dow, Reuben’s current plans involve Jessica, who has become a central figure in his life and TV series.
Insiders suggest the trip could be tied to Reuben’s business ambitions. “Reuben’s always looking to push himself,” a source close to the Owen family told YorkshireLive. “He’s talked about exploring machinery markets abroad or even taking on international contracts.” The Daily Star noted Reuben’s excitement for the trip, quoting him saying, “It’s been hard starting my own business, I’ve been incredibly skint a lot of times. But I love doing it.” Fans speculate he might attend a machinery expo, similar to the PlantWorx competition he entered in Peterborough during the first series, or explore new opportunities to expand his business.
Jessica, who hails from a neighboring farming family, is expected to play a key role. Her television debut in the second series showcased her skill with diggers, with Reuben praising her as “better at driving a digger than I am milking cows.” Their chemistry, evident in Instagram posts like one captioned, “She’s so beautiful,” has endeared them to fans, who flooded comments with support: “You make such a cute couple!”
The Emotional Context: A Time of Transition
Reuben’s decision to leave the UK comes at a pivotal moment. In the Life in the Dales finale, he reflected on his journey: “It’s been a hectic time. Three years in business, I’m 21 now. We’ve got plenty of diggers, plenty of work on, got Jess, who’s an absolute star. The next thing is getting somewhere to keep all these machines, and hopefully a house.” His mention of leaving Ravenseat for a yard and home sparked fears among fans that he might step back from TV, especially after he told The Telegraph, “I don’t want a career on television. I want to be known as the guy who digs big holes.”
The Owen family’s dynamic has also shifted since Amanda and Clive’s 2022 split. Reuben addressed their separation candidly: “They grew apart and split up, but they are still brilliant parents, whether they’re together or not.” Both parents remain involved in his life, appearing in Life in the Dales and Our Farm Next Door: Amanda, Clive and Kids, where the family renovates a farmhouse called Anty John’s. Amanda voiced concerns about Reuben’s 22-tonne digger, while Clive helped him navigate a crumbling barn project, reinforcing their close bond.
Fan Reactions: Heartbreak and Excitement
News of Reuben’s departure has elicited mixed emotions. On X, fans expressed both sadness and support: “Reuben leaving the UK? Heartbroken but wish him and Jess the best!” posted one user. Another wrote, “Can’t wait to see what Reuben does next, but please don’t quit TV!” A GB News report highlighted fans’ pleas for more episodes, with comments like, “Lovely to see you so happy, please hurry up with a new series.” The Whitby fish and chip shop where Reuben and Jessica filmed in 2025 fueled excitement, with fans commenting, “Just love Reuben, can’t wait for his new show.”
Reuben’s split from Sarah Dow, confirmed in 2025, also drew attention. Fans lamented the breakup, with one posting, “Such a shame about Reuben and Sarah,” but quickly embraced Jessica, noting, “Jess is so chilled, perfect for Reuben.” His Instagram post of Jessica driving a tractor on Whitby Beach, captioned “Some pictures for last trip out with Jessica Ellwood,” sparked speculation about new filming, especially after fans spotted a camera in the background.
What’s Next for Reuben and Jessica?
While no official confirmation has been made about a third series of Life in the Dales, fan excitement and Reuben’s TV presence in Our Farm Next Door suggest he’s not done with the small screen yet. The Yorkshire Post reported that the second series, which aired alongside Our Farm Next Door, followed Reuben’s adrenaline-filled adventures, from skydiving to trials biking, hinting that a new season could document his international journey. A one-off Reuben Owen: Christmas in the Dales special, aired on December 4, 2024, reunited him with Tommy McWhirter, further stoking hopes for more content.
Reuben’s business ambitions remain central. His purchase of a 22-tonne digger and plans for a 50-ton excavator reflect his drive to scale his operations. The trip abroad could involve sourcing new machinery or tackling overseas projects, aligning with his goal to be “the guy who digs big holes.” Jessica’s involvement, both romantically and professionally, adds intrigue, with fans praising her as “Wonder Woman” for her machinery skills.
A Legacy of Hard Work and Heart
Reuben’s journey from Ravenseat Farm to international aspirations mirrors his parents’ resilience. Growing up with eight siblings—Raven, Miles, Edith, Violet, Sidney, Annas, Clementine, and Nancy—he learned self-sufficiency early. His candid admission to The Mirror about financial struggles—“I’ve been incredibly skint a lot of times”—resonates with viewers who admire his work ethic. Posts on X reflect this sentiment, with one user calling him “a hardworking young man, just like his parents.”
As Reuben and Jessica prepare to leave the UK, fans are left both gutted and hopeful. Will their trip be a brief adventure or the start of a new chapter? Will Reuben return to Channel 5 with tales of international exploits? For now, his words from the finale linger: “We’ll have to see what the future holds.” One thing is certain—whether digging holes in Yorkshire or abroad, Reuben Owen remains a beloved figure whose next move will keep viewers glued to their screens.
For updates on Reuben Owen’s journey and Life in the Dales, visit www.channel5.com or stream on My5.
