Kaleb Cooper has spoken out after the nation learned of Jeremy Clarkson's cancer diagnosis. The Clarkson's Farm star provided an update on Jeremy Clarkson's wellbeing after the broadcaster disclosed he has been diagnosed with 'aggressive' prostate cancer.
Kaleb has emerged as one of Jeremy's most trusted companions since they joined forces at Diddly Squat Farm, with audiences observing their bond develop throughout five series of the successful Prime Video programme.
Speaking exclusively to The Mirror, Kaleb disclosed he had encountered Jeremy recently at a farming event and noted the former Top Gear host, 66, was maintaining a positive outlook. "I've seen him today, and I've seen him at Cereals, and his spirits are high, which is good."
The diagnosis represents one of the most poignant storylines in the newest series of Clarkson's Farm, having been disclosed in this week's dramatic episode. Kaleb acknowledged it was tough to watch his companion endure such a trying period.
"Yeah, I mean, it's only just come out - 100%. I think anything that's emotional is just about how you take it, you know? You sit there and you be supportive, or do you go out there and, I would say, mope about it and lock yourself away? And at that time you've got to be supportive."
Jeremy spoke to the camera from a hospital bed in the series five finale of Clarkson's Farm. The 27-year-old confirms he has stood beside Jeremy throughout. "I was there for the whole journey, and I'm still here now, so that's the main thing."
Their bond has emerged as one of the most memorable aspects of Clarkson's Farm, with viewers drawn as much to their playful exchanges - and Kaleb's constantly evolving hairstyles - as they are to the agricultural content itself. However, according to Kaleb, precious little shifts once filming wraps. "As soon as the cameras stop, we're exactly the same, and that's the good thing about it."
The duo are renowned for their on-screen squabbling - and Kaleb confirms that's entirely genuine. "Actually the arguments we have on a daily basis, I think even make the camera crew go, 'Here, they go again, they're off on this argument!'"
"But the good thing about it is that if we have an argument one day, the next day we'll have a cup of tea, and it's straight over our heads, and I think that's what makes a really good friendship."
In truth, Kaleb confesses he takes pleasure in needling his employer. "I actually really enjoy it. I like winding him up! I don't know why, I just like it." When asked whether he knows precisely which buttons to push, he chuckles: "Every button possible!"
It's a world away from the future Kaleb once envisaged for himself. Brought up in Chipping Norton and involved in agriculture from an early age, he was already assisting with land management at Diddly Squat before Jeremy purchased the farm.
Since rising to prominence on Clarkson's Farm in 2021, he has achieved bestselling author status, secured his own successful TV spin-off programme, embarked on live tours and established himself as one of the country's most beloved television figures. Despite his celebrity status, Kaleb maintains he never had a grand strategy.
"Weirdly, no! I don't think anyone can plan for that, really." He continued: "I've done six seasons of Clarkson's Farm, done my own series on Amazon Prime, done four books, and a world live tour, and of course, now I get the star in an advert for Hawkstone that's on TV, which I perform my own stunts to! It's truly amazing. I don't think anyone can plan that!"
Kaleb, along with Charlie Ireland, learned of the news on screen. Much of that determination stems from a lesson absorbed during his upbringing - and words of support from employer Jeremy.
"I think it's any motivational speech from anyone that says, 'Well done,' to you," he explains, regarding the wisdom from his boss that initially spurred him towards television. Remembering his late grandfather's support, he stated: "From a young age, instead of my gramps saying, 'Well done,' to me, he'd go to Chipping Norton and tell everyone in Chipping Norton what I was doing. And the following day, as I'd walk through that town, everyone in Chipping Norton would say, 'Well done', not just one person."
The fame hasn't altered his priorities. Beyond the screen, Kaleb is engaged to partner Taya and is a devoted father of three: five-year-old Oscar, three-year-old Willa Grace and ten-month-old Ashton.
Despite his expanding portfolio of ventures, he retains one principal objective above everything else. "My dream is to buy my own farm. That's the goal. That's what I'm working towards. But I live in the Cotswolds and it's very expensive to live in! So I've just got to keep working harder."
For someone who now finds himself rubbing shoulders with celebrities, Kaleb remains remarkably unfazed by fame. "Actually, the good thing is, when I meet celebrities, I don't know who they are. I really struggle with who's who." He went on to say: "I don't necessarily go out there and find out the showbiz news in The Mirror to find out!"
And while he may have already made his mark in farming, television, books and live tours, Kaleb has his eye on yet another career venture. "I wouldn't mind doing a natural Go Wild animal programme, like David Attenborough in a way." So where would he kick off his wildlife journey? "I'll start with a fox, and then maybe get to a seal or a shark. Or maybe a stick insect. That's the journey I'll go on!"
