Amanda Owen ‘secretly hid split from husband Clive for 18 months as she grows close to cameraman’

: "Obviously this has just come out but it has been going on for years behind closed doors.

"They separated 18 months ago. It wouldn’t have been Clive’s choice but I think he’s at a point where he’s accepted the break-up now. They are sharing the care of the kids so still see each other regularly. He does most of the work on the farm and, I think, now he’s come to terms with the separation he just wants to get on with his life."

We revealed the couple's marriage of 21 years finally broke down after Amanda grew close to a cameraman working on the hit series.

The mother-of-nine, 47, confirmed on Thursday that she and co-star Clive, 66, were separating, eight months after The Sun revealed their break-up.

But the former model isn’t letting the impending divorce get her down — as she is planning to reinvent herself as a ‘sexy shepherdess” and bag her own show.

Hours after the split, a local told The Sun: “There’s been a persistent rumour in the Dales for ages that Amanda had grown close to a cameraman on set.

“It wouldn’t be a surprise if Clive had got wind of them, they really were doing the rounds for a while. 

“But there is no suggestion of any affair, this was just scurrilous mischief-making from bored locals who had seen Amanda spending nights away from the farm.”

Amanda and Clive became unlikely stars following the success of the Channel 5 docuseries , which has attracted millions of viewers.

The larger-than-life family were dubbed “the Kardashians of the countryside” and made cult viewing courtesy of the couple’s parenting values, which saw them encourage their nine children - aged between 5 and 21 - to snub modern technology and embrace the great outdoors while also working on the Ravenseat Farm.

Amanda, nicknamed the Yorkshire Shepherdess, sees herself as very much the breakout star and is keen to build on the platform the show has given her, believing she can land higher profile TV gigs and even her own show.

The Sun can reveal Amanda has booked in meetings with TV execs and even taken on a PR agency, while Clive continues to be unrepresented.

A TV insider said: “Amanda has everything going for her, likeability, knowledge, beauty, PR nous and, crucially, she’s a natural on camera. 

“She’s incredibly smart and showbiz savvy, and her natural warmth has made her a hit with all demographics. 

“As has been seen with Jeremy Clarkson’s smash series, there’s a real desire for these types of farming shows. There is absolutely no reason she can’t carry a format solo.

“Clive never really wanted to be in front of the camera, Amanda was very much the driving force behind their success. 

“This is now her golden opportunity to shine and start earning millions as a solo commodity, through both brand endorsements and a new show.

“Other channels and streaming services are already sniffing around her.”