Kaleb Cooper has spoken about the health of his Clarkson’s Farm co-star Jeremy Clarkson, after the former Top Gear host publicly announced he has been diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer
Kaleb Cooper has provided an update on Jeremy Clarkson’s wellbeing following the television presenter’s disclosure that he has been diagnosed with ‘aggressive’ prostate cancer.
The Clarkson’s Farm star has emerged as one of Jeremy’s most trusted companions since the duo initially partnered on Diddly Squat Farm, with audiences observing their bond develop throughout five series of the popular Prime Video programme.
Speaking exclusively to The Mirror after the startling revelation, Kaleb disclosed he had encountered Jeremy lately at an agricultural gathering and noted the former Top Gear host, 66, was maintaining a positive outlook. “I’ve seen him today, and I’ve seen him at Cereals, and his spirits are high, which is good.”
The diagnosis constitutes one of the most poignant narratives in the newest series of Clarkson’s Farm, having been disclosed in this week’s dramatic episode, with Kaleb acknowledging it was challenging to observe his friend enduring such a demanding period.
“Yeah, I mean, it’s only just come out – 100%. I think anything that’s emotional is just about how you take it, you know? You sit there and you be supportive, or do you go out there and, I would say, mope about it and lock yourself away? And at that time you’ve got to be supportive.”, reports the Mirror.
The 27-year-old tells us he has remained alongside Jeremy throughout. “I was there for the whole journey, and I’m still here now, so that’s the main thing.”
Their bond has emerged as one of the standout elements of Clarkson’s Farm, with audiences following as much for their exchanges – and Kaleb’s constantly evolving hairstyles – as they do for the agricultural content.
However, according to Kaleb, remarkably little shifts when filming concludes. “As soon as the cameras stop, we’re exactly the same, and that’s the good thing about it.
The duo are renowned for their on-screen quarrelling – and Kaleb discloses that’s entirely genuine. “Actually the arguments we have on a daily basis, I think even make the camera crew go, ‘Here, they go again, they’re off on this argument!'”.
“But the good thing about it is that if we have an argument one day, the next day we’ll have a cup of tea, and it’s straight over our heads, and I think that’s what makes a really good friendship.”
Indeed, Kaleb acknowledges he relishes teasing his employer. “I actually really enjoy it. I like winding him up! I don’t know why, I just like it.
It represents a dramatic departure from the existence Kaleb once envisaged for himself. Brought up in Chipping Norton and involved in agriculture from an early age, he was already assisting with managing property at Diddly Squat before Jeremy purchased the farm.
Since establishing his reputation on Clarkson’s Farm in 2021, he has become a bestselling writer, secured his own successful television spin-off programme, embarked on live tours and developed into one of the country’s most beloved television figures in his own right. Yet despite his celebrity status, Kaleb maintains he never had a grand strategy.
“Weirdly, no! I don’t think anyone can plan for that, really.”
He continued: “I’ve done six seasons of Clarkson’s Farm, done my own series on Amazon Prime, done four books, and a world live tour, and of course, now I get the star in an advert for Hawkstone that’s on TV, which I perform my own stunts to! It’s truly amazing. I don’t think anyone can plan that!”.
Much of that determination stems from a lesson he absorbed during his upbringing – and words of encouragement from his boss Jeremy.
“I think it’s any motivational speech from anyone that says, ‘Well done,’ to you,” he explains, reflecting on the words of wisdom from his employer that first inspired him to appear on television.
Recalling his late grandfather’s support, he said: “From a young age, instead of my gramps saying, ‘Well done,’ to me, he’d go to Chipping Norton and tell everyone in Chipping Norton what I was doing. And the following day, as I’d walk through that town, everyone in Chipping Norton would say, ‘Well done’, not just one person
His achievements have done little to alter his aspirations. Away from the cameras, Kaleb is engaged to partner Taya and is a devoted father of three: five-year-old Oscar, three-year-old Willa Grace and ten-month-old Ashton.
Despite his ever-expanding portfolio of projects, one overriding ambition remains firmly at the top of his list. “My dream is to buy my own farm. That’s the goal. That’s what I’m working towards. But I live in the Cotswolds and it’s very expensive to live in! So I’ve just got to keep working harder.”
For someone who now finds himself rubbing shoulders with celebrities, Kaleb remains remarkably unfazed by fame. “Actually, the good thing is, when I meet celebrities, I don’t know who they are. I really struggle with who’s who.”
He went on to say: “I don’t necessarily go out there and find out the showbiz news in The Mirror to find out!”.
And while he may have already made his mark in farming, television, books and live tours, Kaleb has his eye on one further career venture.
“I wouldn’t mind doing a natural Go Wild animal programme, like David Attenborough in a way.”
