Jeremy Clarkson has voiced his concerns over Sir Ranulph Fiennes' reported welfare, joining a growing number of high-profile figures speaking out about the explorer's circumstances. The presenter described Ranulph as "by far the most memorable" guest to appear on Top Gear, which he hosted alongside James May and Richard Hammond.
Explorer unseen for almost two years
The 82-year-old explorer has not been seen in public for almost two years. Reports have since emerged alleging that he has been placed in several care homes under a false identity and "unlawfully deprived of his liberty", with claims that he has been prevented from seeing friends and relatives.
Concerns reportedly escalated after the owner of a care facility in Wales contacted police, local authorities and the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) over Ranulph's welfare, according to The Telegraph.
Clarkson's despair
Writing in his latest column for The Times, Jeremy admitted that the prospect of Sir Ranulph being in a care home "fills me with despair".
The Clarkson's Farm star looked back on the explorer's appearance on Top Gear, during which Ranulph shared extraordinary stories about amputating his own fingers, losing his toes and serving in the SAS, according to The Express.
He also recounted taking explosives with the intention of blowing up a dam built by Twentieth Century Fox for the filming of Doctor Dolittle.
Jeremy revealed that Ranulph had a personal connection to his family, too, after his mother made a soft toy replica of the explorer's dog, Bothie.
"That's why I've been sad over the last few weeks to learn of his current problems," Jeremy wrote.
"But there's more to it than that. A man like that should not be in a b****y care home. The idea of him sitting there doing beetle drives and eating fish fingers fills me with despair."
Calls for investigation
Ranulph was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2019. Questions about his whereabouts intensified after he failed to attend a Royal Geographical Society gala celebrating his achievements in October 2024.
Instead, he appeared in a short pre-recorded video and has not been seen in public since.
Jeremy is not the only familiar face to have raised concerns about the explorer's situation.
Gardener and broadcaster Monty Don has also spoken out, highlighting his longstanding friendship with Ranulph and calling for an investigation.
"My family and I have known Ran for over 40 years and he is one of the most inspirational, remarkable - and kindest - of men I have known. And of course, other than personal affection, he should be enjoying the admiration and respect of the whole country after such a remarkable life and not kept hidden away from family and friends," he said, according to The Independent.
He added: "If anyone can be called a national treasure it is Ran and I do feel that it is vital that the OPG urgently investigates his case and all the facts can be brought to light."
Adventurer Bear Grylls has also joined the calls for action, backing demands for the police and the Office of the Public Guardian to investigate. He previously revealed that he and others had been "desperately trying to connect with Ran for a year now to no avail".
