Vinnie Jones has expressed frustration over persistent comparisons between his Discovery+ series Vinnie Jones In The Country and Jeremy Clarkson’s farming programme. The actor and former footballer told Radio Times he finds it “upsetting” that his show, now in its third series, is often pitted against Clarkson’s Farm.
While acknowledging that Clarkson has “done a fantastic job raising awareness for farmers,” Jones stressed the distinct nature of his own programme. “Ours is a different little show,” he explained. “It’s a show without an agenda, and it’s not a farm show – it’s an in-the-country show.”
Jones also used the interview to address his public persona, admitting he had been perceived as a “lunatic” in the past. “A lot of that I brought on myself with the drinking,” he confessed, adding: “But I’m 12 years sober this April, and I wanted to show people what I actually do in my spare time.” He elaborated on his deep connection to the natural world, a passion inherited from his father, whom he described as “always a passionate country man.”
Jones recounted: “Yesterday, I sat for six hours just to see a kingfisher. I’m not a south London gangster, never have been.” He further asserted his expertise, stating: “If I were on Mastermind, my specialist subject would be British nature – not many people would beat me.”
The 59-year-old, known for his role in Guy Ritchie’s Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, is set to appear in the director’s new action thriller Viva la Madness later this year. During his football career, he played over 500 top-level games for clubs including Chelsea, Queens Park Rangers and Leeds United, was part of Wimbledon’s “Crazy Gang” that won the 1987 FA Cup, and earned nine caps for Wales.
