Amanda Owen’s new show, Our Farm Next Door, has caused quite a reaction among fans who first met the mum-of-nine on Channel 5’s Our Yorkshire Farm.
The hit series came to a close in 2022 following the split of Amanda and her husband Clive but two years on, the pair have reunited for a new More4 series.
Our Farm Next Door features both Amanda and Clive as they provide viewers with an update from Ravenseat and how their nine children are doing as they grow up in the Dales.
In a change in direction from Our Yorkshire Farm, the new More4 series shifts focus from Ravenseat to Anty Johns, a derelict farmhouse a stone’s throw away that the Owen clan hopes to restore.
All nine of the Owen children accompany their parents in the new series as viewers are transported back to the Dales and while both Amanda and Clive address their split, they don’t let it stand in the way of working together to renovate Anty Johns to its former glory.
The first episode debuted on More4 on Monday and although several fans expressed their delight at seeing Amanda, Clive and their nine children back on screens, some had a familiar complaint when drawing comparisons with Our Yorkshire Farm.
Amanda Owen and Clive Owen work together in the new series despite their split
MORE4
The complaint in question centred around Amanda’s new role in the show as she not only featured as the knowledgeable farmer and matriarch to the family, but she also served as Our Farm Next Door’s presenter of sorts.
Our Yorkshire Farm was narrated by Death in Paradise star Ralf Little – but More4 bosses have opted for Amanda to provide the context for each segment from the comfort of an armchair rather than a voiceover.
Unfortunately for some, this change in direction left plenty to be desired, with some suggesting Amanda wasn’t suited for the role – with many concerned with how she delivered the pieces to the camera – and that it represented an unwelcome shift from the Channel 5 series that made the family famous.
“Been waiting for #OurFarmNextDoor but this is a pedestrian start,” one viewer complained on X. “Don’t think Amanda works as a narrator … plus there’s the elephant in the room. Bit flat and mannered so far I fear.
Amanda Owen is joined by her son Reuben and the rest of her children in the new series
INSTAGRAM/AMANDA OWEN
“Needs a proper narrator with a tight script. Stream of consciousness stuff by the fire doesn’t hack it. And those historians/social experts? They don’t bring a great deal. The kids were always the USP and at the moment they’re invisible. It only sparks up with Reuben and Clive.”
This sentiment was echoed by a second viewer who weighed into the online discussion: “Omg it’s sooooo slow. She seems brow beaten and Clive seems more jolly. I wonder what’s gone on.”
“Slow going so far. Has Amanda lost her mojo?… #ourfarmnextdoor,” a third concerned viewer pondered before a fourth added: “It was clear to see the last couple of years have taken it out of Amanda owen.
“As for the new series it is going to be great to see the new house taking shape as the family restore it. Good to see there is still some chemistry between Amanda and Clive.”
There were also complaints about Channel 4’s approach to the series, with some arguing it felt too reminiscent of a certain rival farming show.
“#Ourfarmnextdoor turns out to be quite literally #clarksonsfarm you couldn’t make it up…” a perturbed telly watcher suggested.
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However, among the mixed bag of reaction were still several fans who were pleased to see Amanda, Clive, and the kids doing what they do best on the farm.
One fan praised: “#Ourfarmnextdoor So good to see the family back on our screens tonight – easy viewing.”
“So happy to see the Owen family back on TV with #OurFarmNextDoor,” a second echoed. “Got their work cut out trying to rebuild that farmhouse!” (sic)
Our Farm Next Door is a five-part series that continues on More4 every Monday night at 9pm.