Fans concerned by Jeremy Clarkson cast member announcement
Fans are concerned by a recent Jeremy Clarkson cast member announcement in relation to hit Amazon Prime series Clarkson’s Farm.
Taking to Instagram on Monday, March 2, Mr Clarkson announced that Ben the donkey would be joining the show.
The 65-year-old journalist turned farmer said: “Please welcome to Diddly Squat. New Ben.”
While some fans reacted with delight to the news, others were concerned for the donkey’s welfare.
Mr Clarkson bought the 1,000 acres of farmland between Chadlington and Chipping Norton in 2008.
But it was only in 2019 that he started to farm it himself, having previously relied on an unnamed Oxfordshire farmer to look after it.
His efforts to farm and learn the practice of farming at Diddly Squat have been documented on the Amazon TV series Clarkson’s Farm, which is soon to launch its fifth series in May.
Responding to the latest donkey announcement, several fans commented that donkeys need companionship and shouldn’t be left alone.
One user said: “Aww he is gorgeous but he needs a friend though. They don’t like to be alone.”
Another said: “I hope you have another donkey for Ben, donkeys shouldn’t live on their own and other livestock aren’t suitable companions.”
“This is true,” agreed another.
That comment prompted a reply from Mr Clarkson: “Yes. We know that.”
Others were quick to point out that Diddly Squat already has several donkeys although this has not been confirmed.
As well as a donkey, the farm also has cows – currently under lockdown from TB – sheep and goats.
It also covers arable, where Mr Clarkson grows wheat and barley used in his Hawkstone alcoholic drinks sold at The Farmer’s Dog in Burford and a variety of supermarkets.
