Model and TV presenter Jodie Kidd has praised former Top Gear and Grand Tour host Jeremy Clarkson, offering insight into his character away from the cameras. Speaking on the Cars & Money and Tom Hartley Cars podcast, Kidd described Clarkson as highly intelligent and loyal, contradicting his on-screen image.
Behind the Scenes with Jeremy Clarkson
Kidd, 48, appeared on Top Gear's 'Star in a Reasonably Priced Car' segment in 2003, shortly after the BBC programme returned. She was interviewed by Clarkson, now 66, who was instrumental in creating the show that became a global phenomenon.
More than two decades after her appearance and over 10 years since Clarkson's departure in 2015, Kidd was asked about his genuine off-camera personality. She said: "I absolutely love him to death. He's not this big kind of buffoon that actually comes across. I think Clarkson's Farm has shown a more realistic side to him."
A Different Side on Clarkson's Farm
Kidd explained that Clarkson's farming programme reveals a more authentic version of him. "You know, on Top Gear, he always came across as playing a role, playing a persona, but he's not like that. He's highly intelligent. Brilliant, brilliant mind. Incredible thought processes go into every single special and every single show."
She added: "He's behind the machine, making it all happen. Incredibly loyal, a very good friend and just a brilliant person all round. Yeah, I love him to bits, and Leese [Lisa]. The whole family are just magic."
Another Co-Star's View
Earlier this month, Clarkson's Farm co-star Harriet Cowan also spoke about working with Clarkson, describing him as "a father figure that didn't know anything about farming". Cowan, 25, who stepped in as Kaleb Cooper's stand-in before departing mid-season, noted his willingness to learn: "He's a very similar age to my dad, but he was the opposite of my dad because my dad's the one who has the knowledge, and we sort of learn from him."
"So it was sort of like I had to take the reins on that a bit. And, to be fair, as far as it goes, he listened to everything, and he learned so much."
