Supporters have rallied around an emotional Jeremy Clarkson after he appeared close to tears in an unguarded video.
The former Top Gear and Grand Tour presenter lives in Oxfordshire, where he operates Diddly Squat Farm near Chadlington and The Farmer’s Dog in Asthall.
Both the Cotswolds pub and his farm shop stock his alcoholic drink range, Hawkstone, which includes several lagers, ciders and stouts.
Clarkson, who is 65, assembled a group of farmers last year to appear in adverts for the brand, and the ensemble performed on Britain’s Got Talent at the weekend.
A video shared by Jeremy Clarkson (@jeremyclarkson1)
During Saturday night’s broadcast (March 21), the Hawkstone Farmers Choir achieved a historic Golden Buzzer during their audition, sending the 32-member group straight to the live semi-finals. The honour was awarded after their rendition of Elbow’s One Day Like This at the Birmingham Hippodrome.
Clarkson was clearly moved by the performance and took to Instagram to share his raw reaction.
The television personality explained he had watched Britain’s Got Talent specifically because the Hawkstone Choir were appearing, and described them as fantastic. He noted the performers were all farmers who labour extremely hard for minimal reward, and said seeing them on that stage with so much affection in the venue made him feel deeply happy. He admitted he became quite emotional.
He stated it demonstrated that people genuinely appreciate farmers, and that they performed brilliantly. He congratulated them and said he felt very content.
Followers were swift to back the television star and concur with his response, also commending the choir for their display.
One supporter stated they had earned the golden buzzer, which takes them straight to the live shows. Another remarked they were wonderful and it was a moving moment for everyone, thanking Clarkson for everything he has done to highlight the plight of hardworking British farmers. A further comment praised the effort to back Britain’s incredible farmers.
Another person commented they had been admirers of Clarkson and his projects for many years, from before Top Gear through Grand Tour and Clarkson’s Farm. They observed that while he enjoys joking and teasing, he is also thoughtful, generous and unassuming. They said it was pleasant to see this side of him and it only strengthened their respect.
Another poster said they were outstanding and had made them emotional, particularly given the challenges facing Britain’s wonderful farmers. They expressed hope that the group might win.