Martin Clunes has spoken about the devastating loss of his beloved Jack Russell, Jim, describing him as 'one in a million'. The actor, best known for his role in Doc Martin, revealed that Jim was a surprise Christmas present and had been his constant companion for 14 years before succumbing to liver cancer.
In his new book, 'Training John and Murray', Clunes recalls the joy and chaos brought by two new Jack Russell puppies. He writes about how a litter of Jack Russells came 'wriggling into the world', small enough to fit in the palm of a hand, and how the two brothers would 'change our lives, push us to the brink and turn our whole world upside down'.
Clunes and his wife, Philippa Braithwaite, have lived on a 130-acre farm in Dorset since 2007. The property is home to dogs, horses, cattle, sheep and chickens. The actor admitted that running the farm is expensive, telling The Times: 'I wish I had more work because we're very expensive to run.' He added that without work, they would have to sell up within a year.
Despite the financial pressures, Clunes cherishes his rural life. He told the Express: 'It's my favourite place in the world. I can go for weeks without leaving the farm. I like being connected to the seasons in a real way - making hay, worrying about the grass, watching the leaves come and go, and caring for the animals.'
