“I worked with Jeremy Clarkson – that’s what he’s really like”

Former Top Gear producer Andy Wilman has spoken about what it’s really like to work with Jeremy Clarkson. The former BBC executive sat down with Jake Humphrey on the High Performance podcast on Monday to talk about his time on the motoring program and his close relationship with the 66-year-old presenter. Reflecting on their friendship over the years, he revealed how switching to farming has helped the Who Wants to Be a Millionaire host’s relationship with work.

He told fans about the early days of filming Top Gear and how the constant filming schedule left the father-of-three “anxious” on set. Mr Wilman explained: “When the camera rolls, he’s obviously stepping up a notch to perform and speak, but you see a calmer person.

“Jeremy from Top Gear was crazy and then nothing, same with the Grand Tour, then nothing. So Jeremy will be excited because he’s programmed to work,” he admitted.

Reflecting on how his work ethic has changed since he bought the Oxfordshire farm in 2019, he said the Cotswolds retreat had been his “descent into tranquility”. The producer said: “This farm is the best escape from the green ski slopes into tranquility you could ever have.

“Because it’s still working, it still takes a lot of effort and brain power, but all he has to do is walk out the front door and he’s at work. We don’t have to get on a plane and go to Mauritania and have a team of eight million people and all that stuff that gets boring.

“He has veterans from Top Gear and the Grand Tour. He’s absolutely in the best place.” Speaking about how their filming schedule had changed dramatically, the producer admitted that Clarkson went from strictly planned itineraries to completely spontaneous filming.

Mr Wilman told listeners: “They film scenes like moving goats or giving birth to a cow and then after it’s done they go out for a cup of coffee. And sometimes they ask: “What should we do next?”

“They’re going to do something, but they’re thinking about it, and it’s just a joy for someone who wants to work, but doesn’t have a deadline for the paper or the weight of the world’s expectations.” It didn’t take long for fans to flock to the comments and share their thoughts on Clarkson’s transition from big city life to humble farming haven.

One user wrote: “I agree. It’s clear that farming is a great fit for Jeremy. But if I may be so bold, his lavish entertainment lifestyle has not laid the foundation for health and fitness, he now needs a very, very physical job. But he’s happy and we see the real, genuine, gentle guy that he is.”

Another agreed: “He deserves it all. He brought us so much joy and entertainment over the years. “Clarkson Farm is his best show to date.” A third added: “Jeremy is a true icon.”