Jeremy Clarkson has revealed that he is now in remission from prostate cancer after undergoing treatment for the aggressive disease. The television presenter, best known for Top Gear, The Grand Tour and Clarkson’s Farm, discussed his health in an interview with The Times, explaining that his cancer was detected following a routine blood test and a positive result from the Stockholm3 test, a prostate cancer screening test that combines blood markers, genetic information and medical history.Clarkson’s diagnosis was also featured prominently in the latest season of his Prime Video farming series, where viewers saw him navigate the uncertainty surrounding his health and eventually undergo treatment.Despite the seriousness of the diagnosis, Clarkson has maintained his trademark blunt and irreverent approach to discussing his health.
Jeremy Clarkson on changing his lifestyle
Following his diagnosis, Clarkson was advised to make changes to his diet and lifestyle, including eating less fat, consuming more protein and reducing his alcohol intake.However, the broadcaster made it clear that he does not intend to completely abandon the food and drink he enjoys.“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,” Clarkson told The Times.“But the truth is, there has to be some joy in life as well.”He added that giving up alcohol and foods such as pork chops would take away some of the pleasure he wants to have in later life.“And I haven’t worked my arse off for 40 years to have no joy in my old age. So, I’m having joy in my old age,” he said.Clarkson’s comments reflect his characteristically outspoken attitude, although his remarks do not mean that lifestyle changes are irrelevant after a cancer diagnosis. Medical advice is individual, and patients are generally encouraged to discuss diet, alcohol consumption and exercise with their healthcare teams.
Jeremy Clarkson underwent HIFU treatment for prostate cancer
Clarkson said he underwent high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) as part of his treatment.HIFU is a minimally invasive treatment that uses high-frequency sound waves to heat and destroy targeted tissue. Clarkson said he was unwell for a short period following the procedure but has since been doing considerably better.Describing how his cancer was detected, he explained that he undergoes regular health checks.“I get checked every year. And suddenly, oops, there’s a little thing here,” he said.According to Clarkson, doctors then presented him with a range of treatment options.The presenter also acknowledged some of the more difficult moments surrounding his diagnosis, including having to tell his children that he had cancer and undergoing catheterisation.“Basically, it is choosing what sort of thing you want in your bottom,” Clarkson said in his typically candid style. “Yes, it is not very nice having to tell your children, ‘I’ve got cancer’, neither is having a catheter fitted. But otherwise, no problem.”
Jeremy Clarkson jokes about living for another six years
Even while discussing cancer and mortality, Clarkson has continued to inject humour into conversations about his future.In the same interview, he joked that he had made financial plans that involved living for at least another six years.“I have a tax plan. I have made arrangements. To live for at least seven more years… Actually, six more years now. And then, if I accidentally croak, I’ll be happy,” he said.The remark was made in the context of inheritance tax and gifting rules, rather than as a literal prediction about his life expectancy.Clarkson has faced other health concerns in recent years. In 2024, he revealed that he had experienced a serious heart problem, before his prostate cancer diagnosis was subsequently discussed on Clarkson’s Farm.
Jeremy Clarkson’s prostate cancer diagnosis raises awareness
Clarkson’s decision to discuss his prostate cancer publicly has also had an impact beyond television.Prostate Cancer UK reported an increase in visitors to its website following his announcement, with the charity saying his openness helped encourage more people to seek information about prostate cancer.The development comes amid growing attention around prostate cancer screening and early detection in the UK.The Stockholm3 test, which Clarkson underwent, combines several indicators to assess the risk of clinically significant prostate cancer. A new initiative is reportedly set to make the test available to thousands of men aged 45 to 74 at a substantially reduced cost, while some men on lower incomes will be able to access it free through the NHS.The wider conversation has also been amplified by Olympic cycling champion Sir Chris Hoy, who has spoken publicly about his own experience with terminal prostate cancer and the importance of cancer awareness and early detection.
Clarkson’s Farm wins at National Television Awards
Clarkson’s health update comes shortly after a major professional milestone.On Tuesday, September 8, Clarkson’s Farm won the Reality Docuseries award at the National Television Awards, recognising the popularity of the Prime Video series.The show follows Clarkson’s attempts to operate his Diddly Squat Farm in Oxfordshire, chronicling the challenges of farming, bureaucracy, weather and business alongside regular appearances from Kaleb Cooper, Lisa Hogan and Gerald Cooper.The success of Clarkson’s Farm has helped introduce the outspoken broadcaster to a new generation of viewers, while also giving audiences a much more personal look at his life away from motoring television.
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