Jeremy Clarkson has been flooded with messages of love and support after revealing he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. The former Top Gear host shared the news in the latest episodes of the fifth season of his series Clarkson's Farm, describing the disease as 'aggressive' but noting it had been discovered early.
Warning to Fans
His health update came after he took to social media to warn followers that the final two episodes of series five of his Amazon Prime series would be a 'really difficult' watch. In a video, Jeremy began by announcing that his Hawkstone lager and cider brand had secured a prime ad slot ahead of England's opening World Cup match on Wednesday, June 17, before turning to a more serious topic.
'Sombre news, Clarkson's Farm. Ordinarily, we try to keep the show bucolic and charming and cheerful, but the final two episodes are none of those things, really,' he admitted. 'They're a difficult watch, they're really, really difficult.'
Revealing the Diagnosis
In the episode, Jeremy is heard telling farm manager Kaleb Cooper and farmhand Charlie Ireland that he had been diagnosed with cancer in May during discussions about harvest planning. The TV presenter said he expected to be 'fine' but would be out of action 'for a while'.
A stunned Kaleb replies: 'No, you haven't. Where?' Jeremy replied: 'Where it is is of no concern of anybody. I've known since May. I had a medical, you remember back in May. I disappeared off the other week and I had a biopsy and it is cancer and it's aggressive, but it's really early so the treatment will be, you know. I was praying we could get the harvest done and then I could go and get some treatment but it's going to be slap bang in the middle.'
Reflecting on the Year
Later in the programme, Jeremy reflects on the diagnosis during a chat with his co-stars, including girlfriend Lisa Hogan. He said: 'So we started the year and I had coronary heart disease and ended it with me with cancer. We can dwell as much as we like on all the bad things that have happened on the farm, but I think it is better now at the end of the year to focus on things that have happened that are good.'
Speaking from a hospital bed at the end of the season finale, Clarkson revealed he had experienced complications during treatment. 'We started season five with me in a hospital bed and here we are at the end of season five and I'm back in a hospital bed,' he said.
The 66-year-old also reflected on the future of the show. 'What I wanted to say was if this is all successful, I'll see you for season six, and if it isn't, I won't,' he said. 'Take care, everyone.'
Outpouring of Support
The shock news has seen Jeremy flooded with messages from fans. @chxrlie.mcfarlane23 said: 'Just seen the news jeremy, thoughts are with you and I hope your doing okay!! Sending love and happiness to you and diddly squat!!' @bailleux.maryse commented: 'You will win, you are a fighter, we are with you.'
@daviddcristian replied: 'I was not prepared for that @jeremyclarkson1.. Wish you speedy recovery!' @ckam1208 wrote: '@jeremyclarkson1 you can beat it. Sending you all the well wishes and prayers from the states.' @milligram_2 added: 'Devastated, I hope only the best for you, I really do.'
