The heartfelt Channel 5 series Reuben Owen: Life in the Dales captured a deeply emotional moment as cast members Sonny and Capper shared their experiences of loss and mental health struggles. The popular show follows Reuben Owen, a young farmer in Swaledale, North Yorkshire, as he works alongside family and friends on their farming projects. Known previously from Our Yorkshire Farm, Reuben’s latest series features his girlfriend Jess and close mates Sonny and Capper as they navigate rural life’s ups and downs.
During Tuesday’s episode, Sonny and Capper took a pause from farm life to visit a memorial site, reflecting on the grief they’ve endured at young ages. Capper spoke candidly about losing close friends and family, recalling how his best friend died in a road accident when he was just 16. “It’s hard when you lose someone. You need a place to be by yourself to process it,” he said.
Sonny, visibly emotional, revealed that he lost a close friend to suicide. “He was like a brother. I talked to him the night before, then got the call the next morning,” he shared, holding back tears. Capper expressed gratitude for the support surrounding him, saying, “It’s okay to not be okay. Everyone has battles, but I’m lucky to have you boys.”
READ MORE: NHS GP Raises Awareness About Unexpected Bloating Symptoms and Their Hidden Dangers
READ MORE: Gloucester’s Last Shipwrights Battle Growing Silt Problem in Sharpness Canal
Inspired by their shared experiences, the two friends decided to launch a project supporting men’s mental health, involving vintage motorbikes, hoping their late friends would be proud. Both spoke openly about how their grief affects them daily—Sonny keeps some of his friend’s ashes close, while Capper visits his friend’s grave monthly and has a tattoo over his heart in remembrance.
The episode has resonated widely, with fans praising Sonny and Capper for bravely normalizing men’s mental health struggles on national television. Comments from viewers underscore the importance of open conversations and the powerful friendship between the two.
Reuben Owen: Life in the Dales airs Tuesdays at 8pm on Channel 5.