TV regulator Ofcom received more than 60 complaints after naturalist Chris Packham's comments about Clarkson's Farm on Celebrity Gogglebox. The majority of the 65 complaints related to Packham's remarks during the Channel 4 show.
Packham's Criticism of Clarkson's Farm
Appearing alongside his stepdaughter Megan McCubbin on the July 12 episode, Packham said the Prime Video series presents an 'idealistic view of a farm.' He argued that most farms are 'horrible monocultures, which have been sprayed with deadly chemicals time and time again,' with animals kept indoors in crates.
Packham asked McCubbin, 'What's my blood pressure?' after his outburst, which drew widespread backlash from viewers and fans of Clarkson's Farm.
Defense from Clarkson's Farm Stars
Jeremy Clarkson and Harriet Cowan, stars of Clarkson's Farm, defended the show. Cowan posted on TikTok, 'Chris Packham. Maybe before throwing shade at all farmers, research your facts. What world are you living in?' Clarkson, writing in The Sun, called Packham's claims 'b******s' and recalled Packham visiting Diddly Squat Farm in 2012 without raising concerns.
Viewer Reactions
Social media users were divided. One Facebook user said, 'I turn over when he comes on the set.' Another commented that Packham 'was miles out' and that Clarkson's Farm educated viewers about farming struggles. However, some agreed with Packham, noting that about 70% of British countryside is farmland and most still use pesticides, harming wildlife.
Clarkson's Farm is available on Prime Video, while Celebrity Gogglebox airs Fridays at 9pm on Channel 4.
