In this week’s episode of Life in the Dales on Channel 5, young entrepreneur Reuben Owen takes on a rugged and nostalgic challenge as part of his birthday celebrations.
The new installment, airing Tuesday evenings, follows Reuben and his friends as they navigate a 60-year-old tractor through the Yorkshire Dales en route to the scenic coastal town of Whitby. The journey, full of charm and difficulty, tests both man and machine.
A teaser shared on social media captures Reuben’s candid admission: “I’m very nervous!” as he wrestles with the vintage tractor. The voiceover explains that all six tractors involved are “battered veterans,” making the task of climbing steep inclines especially stressful due to the risk of mechanical failure.
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As the drive intensifies, Reuben and his crew offer both encouragement and humor to each other and their aging tractors. However, the adventure hits a dramatic peak when steam starts billowing from Reuben’s tractor engine, signaling overheating. Despite his determination, Reuben reaches a moment of reluctant acceptance: “I think that’s the end of my run. So close, so close!”
The milestone trip was meant to culminate in a special birthday celebration in Whitby, where Reuben’s girlfriend Jess had thoughtfully hidden balloons and a cake under the engine of a tractor named Tommy.
In a poignant subplot, the show also revisits the medical emergency involving Reuben’s brother Miles, who recently suffered a severe diabetic ketoacidosis episode requiring an air ambulance. Their father Clive shared the harrowing experience, describing it as “one of the worst days” of his life and detailing the frightening symptoms Miles exhibited. This emotional moment adds depth to the series, highlighting the family’s resilience in tough times.
Life in the Dales continues to blend adventure, personal milestones, and heartfelt family moments, capturing viewers with its genuine and gripping storytelling. The show is available to stream on My5.