Jeremy Clarkson opens up about cancer and why he refuses to give up life’s pleasures

Jeremy Clarkson has opened up about his cancer treatment and the way the diagnosis has changed his outlook, insisting that he still wants to find “joy in my old age” rather than give up the things he enjoys.

The 66-year-old Clarkson’s Farm presenter is in remission after being diagnosed with “aggressive” prostate cancer. He revealed the diagnosis during an episode of the Prime Video series, where he was also advised to make changes to his diet.

But despite his experience with the disease, Clarkson says he has no intention of following an extremely restrictive lifestyle.

‘There has to be some joy in life’

Speaking to The Times, Clarkson acknowledged that he could eat more healthily, exercise more and cut out certain foods and drinks. But he said he does not want those changes to come at the expense of enjoying life.

“Sure, I can eat less and more healthily. I can become a herbivore. And yes, I can go for 20-mile hikes and do 20,000 steps a day,” he said.

“But the truth is, there has to be some joy in life as well.”

Clarkson added that giving up drinking and foods such as pork chops would mean having less enjoyment in his later years.

“I haven’t worked my arse off for 40 years to have no joy in my old age,” he said. “So, I’m having joy in my old age.”

Looking back on his treatment

Clarkson said he was unwell for only a “short period of time” and is now doing much better.

Describing his cancer treatment, he likened the experience to being presented with a “menu of opportunities” after doctors discovered the problem during his regular checks.

“I get checked every year. And suddenly, oops, there’s a little thing here,” he explained.

He said doctors then presented him with different options for dealing with the cancer, describing the decision in his typically blunt style.

Clarkson admitted that some parts of the experience were difficult, particularly telling his children that he had cancer and having a catheter fitted. But overall, he said he did not view the treatment as an overwhelming ordeal.

Finding beauty in the everyday

Since undergoing treatment, Clarkson says he has also begun paying closer attention to small details around him.

He spoke about noticing the changing trees as autumn arrives and watching ash trees recover after suffering devastation.

His comments suggest that the experience has made ordinary moments feel more significant, from observing nature to appreciating the reassurance of being back home.

Clarkson underwent high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), a minimally invasive treatment that uses high-frequency sound waves to heat and destroy targeted cancer cells.

A night of celebration

Despite the seriousness of his recent health experience, Clarkson also had something to celebrate this week.

On Tuesday, he attended the National Television Awards, where Clarkson’s Farm won the reality docuseries award for his Prime Video series documenting life at Diddly Squat Farm.

The programme had also won best factual entertainment series at the previous year’s awards.

For Clarkson, the recognition comes at a time when he says he is increasingly determined to appreciate life — and the pleasures he still considers worth holding on to.