Blur bassist Alex James has expressed genuine concern for his friend Jeremy Clarkson after the former Top Gear presenter faced a life-threatening heart condition.
Clarkson, 65, revealed in the Sunday Times that he was “days from death” before undergoing an emergency heart operation in October. While on holiday, he initially felt unwell, but experienced a sudden and alarming decline upon returning home. Medical examinations showed one artery to his heart was completely blocked, and a second artery was dangerously close to blockage.
Jeremy was fitted with a stent—a tiny mesh tube that keeps arteries open—and was strongly advised to adopt a healthier lifestyle. “My phone flashed up this morning saying: ‘you are taking far fewer steps this week than last’,” Jeremy commented lightheartedly. “I’ve stopped eating sausages and have switched to celery. After seeing a dietician, I’m avoiding processed foods—anything with more than one ingredient is off-limits. I do feel great.”
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However, Alex James was taken aback by Clarkson’s unexpected decision to throw a party shortly after his major health crisis. Invited for dinner, Alex reflected on Jeremy’s choice: “He said, ‘Marco Pierre White’s coming for lunch. Do you want to come too?’ So, after going on a strict diet and quitting alcohol, he invites one of the best—and most notorious drinkers—in culinary history the very next day? I was baffled.”
The two men struck up a close friendship after both purchased neighbouring farms in the Cotswolds. Alex and his wife Claire Neate acquired a 200-acre farm in 2003 on a whim during their honeymoon. The farm produces cheese, alcohol, and raises ducks and chickens. Jeremy’s Diddly Squat Farm, just next door, has even stocked Alex’s farm-grown tomatoes in its shop.
Local council regulations require all produce sold there to be locally sourced—something Claire says their tomatoes help satisfy. Alex’s bond with Clarkson has flourished over the years, with the musician candidly saying, “Genuinely, I f***ing love him to bits. I absolutely love him.”
In addition to his farming and music career, Alex James is set to appear on ITV One’s Sunday Brunch at 10am, joining hosts Tim Lovejoy and Simon Rimmer alongside guests Stephen and Anita Mangan.