Jeremy Clarkson has recently shared details about a new health issue, adding to an already tough period for the Clarkson’s Farm star. The 65-year-old broadcaster is currently dealing with a trapped nerve in his back, following urgent heart surgery last year when he had a stent fitted due to blocked arteries.
Clarkson described the symptoms that prompted his hospital visit last year: feeling clammy, experiencing chest tightness, and pins and needles in his left arm. While a heart attack was ruled out, doctors warned he was close to a serious health episode.
In his column for The Times, Clarkson discussed the challenge of managing his trapped nerve, particularly when driving his Mercedes-Benz G580. “It’s alright if I’m sitting still, but in the G580 that’s not an option because it’s constantly pitching, yawing, and rolling, leaving you clueless about its next move,” he explained. Returning to his partner Lisa Hogan’s Range Rover, he remarked that it felt like going from an economy airline seat to the world’s most peaceful hotel.
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The news comes shortly after Clarkson admitted to feeling increasingly unwell and panicked during filming for the fourth series of Clarkson’s Farm. He told The Sun, “You can see me becoming more and more ill as the days go on, because I just lose my sense of humour, lose my ability to stay calm. I get in a proper old panic. I didn’t know at the time. I knew I wasn’t being me. Because if you don’t sleep, it very quickly has an effect.”
Following his heart scare last year, Clarkson was advised to change his lifestyle. He cut back on high-fat and processed foods linked to heart disease, increased his physical activity with new pursuits like pickleball and Pilates, reduced alcohol intake, and tried medications to manage his weight.
Despite these health hurdles, Clarkson insists that filming Clarkson’s Farm is more enjoyable than his previous television work, since it allows him to be genuine. “It’s the real me on the farm show,” he told The Telegraph. “There’s no Top Gear nonsense. It’s much more relaxing not to play a part.”
Reflecting on his former co-hosts from Top Gear, Clarkson said, “We were caricatures on those car shows. James was not as boring as we made him out to be, Hammond was not as stupid, I was not as bombastic.”
According to the Mayo Clinic, a trapped (or pinched) nerve happens when surrounding tissues like bones, cartilage, muscles, or tendons apply too much pressure to a nerve. This can cause pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness. The condition can affect various parts of the body, such as the spine or wrist. Most cases improve with rest and conservative treatment, but surgery might be necessary in severe cases.
If you experience similar symptoms, it’s important to seek medical advice.