Jeremy Clarkson fights back tears as he reveals aggressive cancer diagnosis

Jeremy Clarkson has revealed he has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer in an emotional moment featured in the latest season of Clarkson’s Farm.

The broadcaster, 66, shared the devastating news during the final episodes of season five of the hit Amazon Prime Video series, leaving his fellow farmers Kaleb Cooper and Charlie Ireland visibly shaken.

In scenes filmed at Diddly Squat Farm, the trio were discussing plans for the upcoming harvest when Jeremy broke the news.

Leaning back in his chair, the former Top Gear presenter struggled to maintain his composure as he told them: “I’ve got cancer.”

A stunned Kaleb immediately replied: “No, you haven’t. Where?” Jeremy declined to reveal further details, responding: “Where it is of no concern of anybody. I’ve known since May.”

He then explained that the diagnosis came after a routine medical examination led to further investigations.

“I had a medical, you remember back in May,” he said. “I disappeared off the other week and I had a biopsy and it is cancer and it’s aggressive, but it’s really early.”

The television star revealed he had hoped to complete the harvest before beginning treatment but was told that would not be possible.

“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,” he explained.

Kaleb immediately offered his support, telling his friend: “Look after yourself. If you need anything, just ring.”

Jeremy went on to reveal he would require surgery and expected to be “out of action for a little while”, admitting he was not thrilled about stepping away from the farm during one of its busiest periods.

Later in the episode, Jeremy gathered with girlfriend Lisa Hogan, Kaleb, Charlie and Gerald Cooper to reflect on a difficult year.

“So we started the year and I had coronary heart disease and ended it with me with cancer,” he said.

Rather than focusing on the setbacks, however, Jeremy encouraged the group to look at the positives.

“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.”

When Kaleb asked when they would know if the treatment had worked, Jeremy admitted the outcome remained uncertain.

“I don’t know. I’ve got a blood test today, there’ll be a blood test and then we’ll know. Not for another few weeks. Come on, cheer up, it probably did work.”

However, the programme later showed Jeremy speaking from a hospital bed, where he revealed that his recovery had not gone entirely according to plan.

“Some of the treatment has gone awry, let’s say,” he said. “I’m going to be here for a little while. I’m nil by mouth, I don’t know what’s going to happen.”

In a particularly poignant moment, he addressed viewers directly. “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. Take care everyone.”

Ahead of the episodes airing, Jeremy hinted that fans should prepare for an emotional watch. “Sombre news, Clarkson’s Farm,” he said in a video shared on social media. “Ordinarily we try to keep the show bucolic and charming and cheerful.

“But the final two episodes are none of those things really. They’re a difficult watch. They’re really, really difficult.”

The diagnosis follows another major health scare for Jeremy in 2024 when he was rushed to hospital after experiencing chest pains. Doctors discovered one of his arteries was completely blocked, prompting emergency surgery to insert a stent.

At the time, Jeremy later admitted he had been “days from death”. Fortunately, the presenter has remained active since filming wrapped on season five. He is currently working on a new series of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, while Prime Video has already confirmed that Clarkson’s Farm will return for a sixth season.

For fans of the much-loved farming series, Jeremy’s final message offered a note of hope despite the uncertainty surrounding his health battle.