Jeremy Clarkson has candidly shared the challenges he faced when transitioning into farming, shedding light on the often unseen hardships of agricultural life. Best known for his hit series Clarkson’s Farm, which returns for its fifth season next month, the 66-year-old broadcaster-turned-farmer has gained a deep appreciation for the demanding nature of the profession.
Clarkson is also backing The Hawkstone Farmers Choir, a group of farmers from across the UK who caught national attention as contestants on this year’s Britain’s Got Talent. The choir originally formed during rehearsals for commercials promoting Jeremy’s own Hawkstone beer brand, and their heartfelt rendition of Elbow’s “One Day Like This” earned a Golden Buzzer from judge Amanda Holden.
Ahead of the choir’s semifinal performance, members Katrina and Ben appeared on Heart Radio Breakfast alongside hosts Amanda Holden and Jamie Theakston, with a surprise video call from Clarkson. Jamie highlighted the choir’s role in raising awareness about the broader issues faced by farmers, noting the isolation many experience.
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Jeremy agreed, reflecting on his own experience: “When I started farming seven years ago, I naively thought it involved driving around in a Range Rover, socializing occasionally, and taking ski trips in February. But it’s unbelievably tough.” He described long, solitary days filled with hard work and little support, adding, “There’s often no money coming in, and if you’re a real farmer, the worries multiply.”
He spoke of the constant stress farmers endure, from uncertain weather to changing subsidies that force them to grow crops like bird food instead of food for people. “It’s a very distressing industry at the moment,” Clarkson said, emphasizing the value of The Hawkstone Farmers Choir continuing beyond its initial formation for adverts. “We only got them together to do some silly commercials, and now they’ve chosen to keep going.”
Clarkson praised the choir’s achievements on Britain’s Got Talent, calling Amanda Holden’s Golden Buzzer moment “brilliant” and expressing admiration for their ongoing spirit and unity.
Britain’s Got Talent airs Saturdays at 7pm on ITV and ITVX.