British TV legend Jeremy Clarkson has revealed he has been diagnosed with cancer. The former Top Gear host shared the shocking diagnosis on the latest episode of his hit show Clarkson's Farm, released on Tuesday night.
“I’ve got cancer,” the 66-year-old plainly told his co-stars Charlie Ireland and Kaleb Cooper. The three words left his two co-stars speechless, with a visibly shocked Cooper probing the famed columnist for more details.
The BAFTA-nominated star has not stated what kind of cancer he has been diagnosed with, saying that information was “of no concern of anybody”. Media outlets have reported Clarkson is battling prostate cancer.
“I had a medical back in May — I disappeared off the other week and had a biopsy, and it is cancer,” Clarkson said of the news. “It’s aggressive but it’s really early.”
Treatment and Hospitalization
It is understood Clarkson has already commenced treatment for the ailment and is awaiting further medical testing. “I won’t know (if it’s working) for another few weeks,” he shared on-air.
Despite the heaviness of the revelation, the TV host was quick to try to lighten up the spirits of his colleagues. “Cheer up, it probably did work!” he said as 27-year-old Cooper appeared visibly shaken by the news.
The shocking episode ended with the veteran host filmed inside a hospital, discussing his cancer battle so far. “Some of the treatment has gone awry, let’s say. I’m going to be here for a little while. I’m nil by mouth; I don’t know what’s going to happen,” he said from a hospital bed.
“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.”
Clarkson's Farm and Fan Reaction
Clarkson’s Farm is a typically upbeat reality TV programme that follows the 66-year-old as he attempts to run a farm in the British countryside with no agricultural experience. With the show typically showing humorous outdoor adventures, the former journalist took to Instagram to warn his 10 million followers about the seriousness of the latest episode.
“So I’ve got some good news and some sombre news,” the TV icon began his video, before quickly explaining he had been approved to advertise his lager on television. “The sombre news: Clarkson’s Farm . . . ordinarily, we try to keep the show charming and cheerful, but the final two episodes are none of those things,” he warned fans. “(The episodes) are a difficult watch, really really difficult.”
Fans were quick to wish Clarkson well amid his treatment, and also praised the 66-year-old for being vulnerable enough to share the diagnosis on television. “You promised us warts and all, so here we are. Thank you for this,” one fan wrote about the episode. “We will cry with you as we have laughed with you,” another shared. “Wishing you a speedy recovery, we love you loads!”
The heartbreaking diagnosis comes just eighteen months after Clarkson underwent emergency heart surgery that he claimed left him “almost dead”.
