While Jeremy Clarkson’s show Clarkson’s Farm has been capturing fans with its rural charm, one of its newest faces, Harriet Cowan, has been quietly balancing life on the farm with a pretty private personal life.
Unlike the usual spotlight on TV personalities, Harriet has been careful to keep her relationship with boyfriend James Booth low-key — even though they’ve been together for quite some time.
Harriet’s Boyfriend Is a Local Farmer She Met at Young Farmers
MailOnline has learned that James Booth, Harriet’s boyfriend, is also a farmer from Derbyshire.
The pair first met at a Young Farmers’ meeting, a place where like-minded young people in rural communities connect.
Harriet’s stepsister Elina Clifford confirmed their relationship, saying they’ve been dating “for some time.”
But despite Harriet’s rising fame on the show, she prefers to keep their relationship away from the public eye.
James lives just a few miles from Harriet’s home in Crich, Derbyshire, in a quiet spot called Nether Heage with his parents, Peter and Andrea Booth.
Peter is a respected local farmer, well-known in the community, which fits nicely into the farming life James leads.
Family Drama Doesn’t Stop Stepsisters from Supporting James
Earlier this month, MailOnline shared that Harriet’s relationship with her stepsisters Elina and Maddie — who are her father’s children from another marriage — has been strained.
Still, even though they don’t always see eye to eye, Elina had some kind words about James when speaking to us.
“I’ve met James a few times. He’s lovely, but I’m not sure what he’s doing with Harriet,” she said with a laugh.
Despite the family tensions, James seems to have won over some approval.
Glimpses of Harriet and James’ Relationship Through Social Media
Though Harriet keeps her love life private, she’s given fans little peeks into their relationship on social media.
Back in September, she posted a TikTok video of James spinning her around with the funny caption “good job he didn’t drop me in cow s***” — clearly showing they share a playful bond.
Other posts show James driving tractors and bringing Harriet hay bales instead of typical gifts.
One video featured the couple dancing closely, with Harriet crediting the Young Farmers’ group for bringing them together.
Their Instagram tells a sweet story too — from New Year’s Day dates in 2021 to lambing together in spring 2024, and even a trip to Liverpool last summer, which Harriet captioned “a few days with the Beatles.”
Harriet’s Role on Clarkson’s Farm and Why She’s Not Returning for Now
Fans enjoyed Harriet’s brief time on Clarkson’s Farm, where she stepped in to help while the regular farm manager, Kaleb Cooper, was away.
Jeremy Clarkson himself praised her, saying she “saved my life” with her hard work and expertise.
However, it turns out Harriet’s time on the show was only meant to be temporary.
A TV insider told MailOnline that Harriet finished filming as soon as Kaleb returned from his tour, and for now, there are no plans for her to come back in the next series.
Clarkson mentioned that Harriet would be called upon again if needed but stressed that the show only brings people in when they’re truly required.
Clarkson’s Touching Tribute to Harriet’s Impact on the Farming Community
In their farewell scene, Clarkson warmly thanked Harriet, telling her, “You have been absolutely brilliant… you saved my life.”
He also highlighted how Harriet used TikTok and social media to connect with others and shed light on loneliness among young farmers — a reality often overlooked.
Clarkson explained that many young people in farming struggle financially and socially, which can lead to isolation.
Harriet’s openness about these challenges struck a chord with him and viewers alike.
What the Future Holds for Harriet and the Farm
While Harriet won’t be on screen for the time being, Clarkson made it clear that she remains a valued member of the farming community and someone he would turn to if Kaleb ever becomes unavailable.
His parting words were filled with warmth: “I loved Harriet to bits and I wish her all the very best.”
For now, Harriet seems happy focusing on her life in Derbyshire — farming, spending time with James, and quietly making her mark both on and off camera.