Jeremy Clarkson has spoken of his sadness over reports that Sir Ranulph Fiennes has been living in care homes, describing the explorer as "by far the most memorable" guest to appear on Top Gear.
In his latest column for The Times, the former Top Gear host admitted that the news of Sir Ranulph being placed in a care home "fills me with despair". The explorer, 82, has been absent from public view for nearly two years.
Explorer's absence from public view
According to The Telegraph, Sir Ranulph has been placed in various care homes across London, Cheshire and Wales, allegedly without the knowledge of close friends or members of his wider family. Visitors to one London establishment were reportedly required to sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) before being allowed to see him.
Sir Ranulph was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2019. Concerns about his whereabouts grew after the legendary explorer failed to attend a Royal Geographical Society gala evening celebrating his life on October 23, 2024. Instead, he appeared in a short pre-recorded video and has not been seen in public since.
Clarkson recalls Top Gear appearance
The Clarkson's Farm star recalled the explorer's appearance on Top Gear, during which Sir Ranulph shared extraordinary tales about sawing off his own fingers, losing his toes and his time serving in the SAS, the Express reports. He had also pinched explosives with the intention of blowing up a dam built by Twentieth Century Fox for the filming of Doctor Dolittle.
Jeremy revealed that Sir Ranulph had also been a family friend after his mother created a soft toy version 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 in The Times. "But there's more to it than that. A man like that should not be in a bloody care home. The idea of him sitting there doing beetle drives and eating fish fingers fills me with despair."
Other famous figures voice concerns
Jeremy is not the only famous face to have voiced concerns about Sir Ranulph's situation. Monty Don has also spoken out, saying, according to The Independent: "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 continued, according to The Independent: "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."
Bear Grylls has also weighed in on the controversy, joining calls for both the police and the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) to investigate. He revealed that he and others had been "desperately trying to connect with Ran for a year now to no avail".
