BBC Countryfile presenter Adam Henson has compared himself to Jeremy Clarkson, describing them both as 'Marmite characters' who divide public opinion. Henson, who runs a 650-hectare farm in the Cotswolds, shared his thoughts on Clarkson's farming venture in an interview with The Oxford Mail.
Henson praised Clarkson's impact on British agriculture, saying: 'It seems to me from the people around him and from his own voice that he's really found a passion in farming. He's a great advocate for British agriculture.' The 60-year-old presenter acknowledged that Clarkson's Farm, now in its fifth series on Prime Video, has brought farming to a new audience.
However, Henson also noted the polarising nature of both their public personas. 'I think we're both a bit like Marmite – people either love us or hate us,' he said. He emphasised the importance of programmes like Countryfile and Clarkson's Farm in educating the public about farming, alongside social media influencers.
Clarkson, 66, acquired his 1,000-acre Oxfordshire estate in 2008 and began managing Diddly Squat Farm in 2019. The series has gained international fame, and Clarkson recently opened a pub called The Farmer's Dog on the property. The latest series shows him recovering from heart surgery and dealing with storm damage to his farm.
Henson concluded: 'For me as a farmer who loves telling the story about British agriculture, it's great to have so many platforms now. Anyone who can help educate the consumer and the British public about farming culture deserves respect.'
