Kaleb Cooper has spoken out after the nation learned of Jeremy Clarkson's cancer diagnosis. The Clarkson's Farm star has provided an update on Jeremy Clarkson's health following the TV presenter's revelation that he has been diagnosed with 'aggressive' prostate cancer.
Kaleb has emerged as one of Jeremy's closest confidants since the duo initially joined forces at Diddly Squat Farm, with audiences witnessing their bond strengthen throughout five series of the popular Prime Video programme.
Speaking exclusively to The Mirror after the startling announcement, 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 features as one of the most poignant storylines in the newest series of Clarkson's Farm, having been disclosed in this week's explosive episode, with Kaleb acknowledging it was tough to watch his mate endure such a difficult 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.'
The 27-year-old confirms he has stood by Jeremy's side throughout. 'I was there for the whole journey, and I'm still here now, so that's the main thing.'
Their friendship has emerged as one of the standout elements of Clarkson's Farm, with viewers watching as much for their exchanges - and Kaleb's constantly evolving hairstyles - as they do for the agricultural content. However, according to Kaleb, remarkably little shifts when filming concludes. '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 relishes teasing his employer. 'I actually really enjoy it. I like winding him up! I don't know why, I just like it.' When questioned whether he knows precisely which buttons to push, he chuckles: 'Every button possible!'
It's worlds away from the existence Kaleb once envisaged for himself. Brought up in Chipping Norton and involved in farming from an early age, he was already assisting with land management at Diddly Squat before Jeremy purchased the farm. Since establishing his profile on Clarkson's Farm in 2021, he has become a bestselling author, secured his own successful TV spin-off series, embarked on live tours and transformed into one of the nation's most popular television personalities in his own right. Yet 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 added: '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!'
Much of that determination stems from a lesson he absorbed while growing up - and words of support from boss Jeremy. 'I think it's any motivational speech from anyone that says, Well done, to you,' he says, of the words of wisdom from his employer that initially encouraged him to pursue television. Remembering his late grandfather's support, he said: '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 has not altered his priorities. Beyond television, Kaleb is engaged to partner Taya and is a proud father of three: five-year-old Oscar, three-year-old Willa Grace and ten-month-old Ashton. Despite his expanding list of commitments, he still has one overriding ambition above all 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.'
Despite now rubbing shoulders with A-listers, Kaleb remains remarkably unfazed by celebrity culture. '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 escapades? '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!'
