Jeremy Clarkson's Busy Week: Book Launch, Choir Single, and a Dream Documentary
Jeremy Clarkson is having a moment. The 66-year-old broadcaster, farmer, and author has three major developments making headlines this week: the launch of his new book Diddly Squat: The G.O.A.T., the release of the first single from his Hawkstone Farmers' Choir, and a revelation about a documentary he wants to make before he dies.
The book, published on October 8, is Clarkson's 25th title with Penguin and continues his accounts of life at Diddly Squat Farm in Oxfordshire. At the launch event at The Savoy in London, Clarkson joked about having forgotten to invite many of his friends. "Please don't tell anybody you were here," he told guests. "Because I woke up this morning and suddenly remembered that I had forgotten to ask most of my friends. It's rather embarrassing." He described those present as "a sort of edited highlights of my address book."
Meanwhile, the Hawkstone Farmers' Choir—which Clarkson describes as his "biggest cheerleader"—has released its first single, Absolution. The choir won ITV's Britain's Got Talent earlier this year and has since announced a nationwide tour and an album. The song, released on Friday, explores reconnecting with other farmers in the often lonely agriculture industry. "It's a recognition of the daily grind that we all go through, working in long hours in isolation," said choir member James Florey, a fourth-generation farmer from Oxfordshire.
In a separate development, Clarkson revealed in his Sunday Times column that he wants to make a documentary about Victorian explorer David Livingstone before his "dying day." He wrote: "I want, more than anything, before my dying day, to do a proper documentary on the greatest of all the Victorian explorers, David Livingstone, because I have never, in my life, uncovered a story to rival it."
A Remarkable Second Act
Clarkson's transition from Top Gear presenter to farming advocate and author has been nothing short of remarkable. Since launching Clarkson's Farm on Amazon Prime Video in 2021, he has become an unlikely champion of British agriculture, attracting a huge following and shedding light on the challenges faced by farmers.
The new book, The Goat, promises another dose of chaos and comedy from Diddly Squat, with Penguin teasing "uncooperative animals, underperforming crops, and rather less than best-laid plans pursued with unbridled enthusiasm." Clarkson announced the book on Instagram in his trademark checked shirt and brown jacket, holding a commemorative mini trophy from his publisher. One fan joked: "Man went from Top Gear to Top Goat."
The Hawkstone Farmers' Choir's success is another example of how Clarkson's platform has elevated farming voices. The choir won Britain's Got Talent in May, receiving a £250,000 cash prize and the chance to perform at the Royal Variety Performance. Their debut album, This Is Home, is set for release in November, followed by a UK tour in the spring. Florey said juggling the day job with choir commitments is "becoming a challenge, but it's something that we're relishing."
A Glimpse into Clarkson's Aspirations
Clarkson's desire to document David Livingstone's life offers a rare glimpse into his personal aspirations beyond farming and motoring. Livingstone, a Scottish missionary and explorer, mapped large areas of Africa in the 19th century, discovered Victoria Falls, and campaigned against the East African slave trade. Clarkson has previously made historical documentaries, including The Victoria Cross: For Valour and The Greatest Raid of All Time.
The revelation comes amid a period of intense activity for Clarkson. Beyond the book and choir, he has also been in the news for a spat with writer and broadcaster Giles Coren. At the book launch, Clarkson singled out Coren, saying the guests were "a sort of edited highlights of my address book, apart from you, Giles." Coren later revealed that Clarkson had been "extremely p****d off" with him after he used comments Clarkson had made privately in a newspaper column. Coren issued a "profuse apology" after the incident.
What This Means for Clarkson's Legacy
Clarkson's multifaceted career shows no signs of slowing down. At 66, he is balancing farming, writing, television, and now music—all while maintaining his trademark irreverent humour. His ability to reinvent himself while staying true to his passions has cemented his status as one of Britain's most enduring media personalities.
The success of the Hawkstone Farmers' Choir and the ongoing popularity of Clarkson's Farm suggest that his influence extends far beyond entertainment. By championing farmers and rural issues, Clarkson has sparked conversations about the future of agriculture in the UK. His new book and the choir's single are likely to keep him in the spotlight for months to come.
As for the Livingstone documentary, fans will have to wait and see if Clarkson fulfils his wish. But if his track record is anything to go by, it will be a project worth watching.
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