Harriet Cowan has spoken about the frosty dynamic with Kaleb Cooper after he resumed his position at Diddly Squat Farm.
The 25-year-old Derbyshire native arrived at the Chipping Norton agricultural operation as a stand-in for Cooper during his promotional book tour commitments.
Cowan departed the farm partway through the fourth series but rapidly established herself as a viewer favourite.
Cooper displayed visible displeasure at her appearance onscreen and scrutinised her work following his return, particularly questioning whether she had adequately fertilised one of the fields.
Jeremy Clarkson issued a cautionary reminder to Cooper while filming, urging him to be civil and courteous.
In her account to The Telegraph, Cowan explained that Cooper appeared irritated.
She emphasised that his frustration stemmed not from her gender or personal characteristics, but rather from the extended period he spent touring in a bus.
Both individuals share a preference for rural life and familiar surroundings, Cowan noted.
After eight weeks on the road without family contact or access to farm equipment, returning to discover another person had been handling his responsibilities would provoke annoyance, she suggested.
The pair have since resolved their differences and maintain a positive working relationship, collaborating frequently since that period.
Despite her strong reception among audiences, Cowan stated she does not intend to feature regularly in upcoming series, with the exception of a brief appearance in the fifth collection.
She cited the considerable distance required for travel as the primary reason.
During the concluding two instalments of series five, Clarkson disclosed to Cooper and agricultural consultant Charlie Ireland that he had received a prostate cancer diagnosis.
He characterised the condition as aggressive while emphasising it was identified at an early stage.
Cowan provided a reassuring assessment of Clarkson’s current wellbeing, noting that he remains in good spirits and has returned to agricultural activities and operating farm machinery.
