James May says Clarkson's Farm has given Jeremy Clarkson a new purpose
- James May commented on Jeremy Clarkson's ongoing Amazon Prime series, Clarkson's Farm, and expressed surprise at its success.
- May pointed out Clarkson's lack of practical skills and manual labor fears but acknowledged the show has given Clarkson a new purpose.
- The discussion of their friendship sheds light on contrasting public stances and personal stressors related to managing their respective pubs.
In recent comments, James May reflected on his former co-star Jeremy Clarkson's new endeavor on social media and television. Clarkson's Farm, which is filmed at Diddly Squat in Oxfordshire, showcases the challenges Clarkson faces while trying to operate a farm. May expressed surprise at the show's continued success, noting Clarkson's lack of practical skills and fear of manual labor. This admission highlights a turning point for Clarkson, as May believes the series has provided him with a renewed sense of purpose. In addition to discussing Clarkson, May mentioned the dynamic between himself, Clarkson, and Richard Hammond, hinting at potential meet-ups that do not revolve around their usual work-related activities. However, May revealed that Clarkson has claimed he is banned from Clarkson's new pub, The Farmer's Dog, which adds a layer of tension to their friendship. On the other hand, May’s own pub, The Royal Oak, has a different atmosphere, being described as more liberal-minded. When asked if he would welcome Clarkson and politically controversial figures like Prime Minister Keir Starmer to his pub, he confirmed he would. This openness to conversation reflects pub culture’s tradition of healthy debates, as May detailed the tough questions locals might ask. Yet, he also expressed frustration with a faux fire feature in his own pub, which he labeled as “b***** awful” and indicated a desire to change it despite not having found the time. He candidly admitted that he pours his finances into the pub without taking any profits, and often argues with staff over how to operate the business, which illustrates the challenges he faces as a pub owner. The contrasting dynamics between both celebrities and their different establishments further underscores the societal and personal evolution they are experiencing in their new roles.