Reuben Owen first found fame alongside his parents, Amanda and Clive Owen, on Ravenseat Farm. Now, the 22-year-old has successfully stepped out on his own with Reuben Owen: Life in the Dales, giving Channel 5 viewers an insight into his growing plant-hire business and life with girlfriend Jessica Ellwood.
But with season 3 drawing to a close this Tuesday (30 June), many viewers are already asking the same questions: will Life in the Dales be back for another run? Over the past three seasons, the series has followed Reuben as he balances running his business with the realities of farming in Swaledale.
Alongside Jessica, friends Sonny and Capper have become familiar faces, while both of their families regularly feature, including Reuben's father Clive and several of his siblings. The Yorkshire Dales remain one of the show's biggest attractions, with sweeping countryside and Brough Castle Farm – where Jessica's family live – providing the backdrop to the series.
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However, Life in the Dales has always been about more than stunning scenery. The programme hasn't shied away from the realities of farming, regularly highlighting the emotional and financial pressures that come with rural life.
Last week's episode (23 June) saw Jessica and her father David discuss the possibility of bovine tuberculosis affecting their cattle, with the disease carrying potentially devastating consequences for farmers.
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Other episodes have seen Sonny and Capper speak candidly about their mental health and personal losses, helping the series strike a balance between light-heart, feel-good moments and more emotional storylines.
That combination appears to have resonated with viewers at home. As the third season has progressed, fans have regularly taken to social media to praise the programme, with many already calling for Channel 5 to commission another run.
Ahead of this Tuesday's finale, the show's official Instagram account teased the last episode by writing: "Tonight’s episode is all about lambing, one of the busiest, most emotional and rewarding times in the farming calendar."
The announcement quickly attracted comments from viewers disappointed to see the series ending. While one fan admitted they were "sad" the season had come to a close, another said they "can't wait for the next series," reflecting growing demand for more episodes.
So far, Channel 5 has not confirmed whether Reuben Owen: Life in the Dales will return for a fourth season. However, there are plenty of reasons to believe the series could continue. Away from TV, Reuben's life continues to evolve.
Despite speculation that he could eventually move away from the Yorkshire Dales, he has made it clear that's not part of his plans after settling at Brough Castle Farm with Jessica and her family.
The couple recently appeared on talk show Storm & Alexis, where they were asked whether they could ever swap country life for the city. "Personally, no. I’ve always grown up in the countryside," Reuben said, before addressing Jessica. "Working with you, being in the countryside and spending time together. There is no place I’d rather be, but I’d go anywhere with you."
Reuben has also spoken about how naturally he settled into life with Jessica's family. Speaking to The Mirror, he explained: "I used to come down at night to see Jess, and I wouldn’t want to leave her. And then you stay another night, and another." He added: "They’ve taken me in and welcomed me with open arms. It’s nice to be able to spend all my time with Jess."
With Reuben's business flourishing, his relationship with Jessica growing from strength to strength and viewers still invested in his life on the farm, there's no shortage of stories to tell. But will Channel 5 agree to share them?
Reuben Owen: Life in the Dales airs on Channel 5.
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