Jeremy Clarkson’s new farmhand, Harriet Cowan, might be getting attention on TV, but her personal life remains mostly private.
What most fans don’t know is that Harriet has been quietly dating someone close to home — a fellow farmer named James Booth.
The couple’s story goes deeper than just farm work, connecting through the local Young Farmers community in Derbyshire.
How Harriet Met James and Their Quiet Relationship
Harriet, 24, and James have been together for quite a while, according to Harriet’s stepsister Elina Clifford.
But Harriet has chosen to keep their relationship out of the spotlight despite her rising fame on Clarkson’s Farm.
James lives just a few miles away in Nether Heage with his family, including his dad Peter Booth — a respected local farmer — and his mum Andrea.
Harriet herself lives in Crich, Derbyshire, so the couple’s relationship is very much rooted in their shared farming community.
Family Tensions but a Warm Welcome for James
While Harriet’s relationship with her stepsisters, Elina and Maddie, has reportedly been strained — partly due to family complexities involving Harriet’s dad and stepmother — both sisters have good things to say about James.
Elina told MailOnline she thinks James is a “lovely” guy, even if she’s a bit baffled by how lucky he is to be with Harriet.
Social Media Glimpses Into Their Farm Life Romance
Fans who follow Harriet on social media have caught small, charming glimpses of their relationship.
In a September TikTok video, James spun Harriet around with a funny caption about narrowly avoiding a dip in cow manure.
Another clip from March shows James delivering bales of hay in a tractor, with Harriet joking that her boyfriend’s gifts aren’t the usual kind.
Their bond is also clear in a dance video from April where they credit the Young Farmers club for bringing them together.
Special Moments Captured Over the Years
Harriet’s Instagram tells a sweet story of their time together — from New Year’s Day celebrations in 2021, romantic date nights in the summer of that year, to lambing season in 2024.
They even took a trip to Liverpool last summer, which Harriet captioned with a nod to the Beatles.
These personal touches paint a picture of a couple deeply connected through shared experiences, both on and off the farm.
Harriet’s Role on Clarkson’s Farm and Fans’ Reactions
Harriet stepped in for regular farm manager Kaleb Cooper during the early episodes of the current Clarkson’s Farm season.
Her presence was well received by viewers, and many hoped she’d stick around.
Jeremy Clarkson himself has praised her, saying she “saved his life” while Kaleb was away.
Despite the positive feedback, it’s now clear Harriet’s role was always meant to be temporary.
No Plans for Harriet to Return to the Show — For Now
A source close to the show told MailOnline that Harriet only joined the filming to cover for Kaleb while he was on tour.
As soon as he returned, Harriet’s filming wrapped up, and there are no current plans for her to come back for series five.
However, Clarkson made it clear that if things get tough on the farm again, he wouldn’t hesitate to call Harriet for help.
Clarkson’s Thoughtful Reflections on Farming Loneliness
During their farewell, Clarkson reflected on Harriet’s important role beyond just farming duties.
He shared how Harriet’s use of TikTok helps her connect with others and shed light on the loneliness many young farmers face today.
Clarkson expressed surprise at how social media can provide a meaningful outlet for people who often feel isolated, especially given the financial struggles common among young farmers.
Could Harriet Return One Day? Clarkson Keeps the Door Open
While there are no immediate plans for Harriet’s return, Clarkson hasn’t closed the door entirely.
He joked about Kaleb possibly leaving for reality TV, saying if he can’t manage the farm, Harriet would be the first person he calls.
His genuine affection for Harriet and appreciation for her hard work is clear — she made a lasting impression behind the scenes.
What’s Next for Harriet and James?
As Harriet steps back from the cameras, fans are left wondering what lies ahead for both her and James.
Their grounded, local love story combined with Harriet’s rise to fame makes for an intriguing mix.
Whatever happens, it’s clear this couple shares more than just a passion for farming — they have a genuine connection rooted in community and shared experience.