The Clarkson’s Farm star is back on screens this week with the fifth series of his hit show, which follows his attempts to turn Diddly Squat Farm in rural Oxfordshire into a viable business.

Viewers see him juggling livestock, red tape and unpredictable weather on land near Chadlington and Chipping Norton, but away from the TV chaos, he has also been rethinking his own health and how long he wants to be around for his family.

Around a decade ago, the 65‑year‑old openly mocked the idea of working out, clean eating or cutting back on his vices, cheerfully admitting he never exercised, smoked 40 cigarettes a day and, in his words, drank four pints of wine daily.

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That attitude has shifted dramatically in recent years, with the broadcaster now talking about longevity and the need to look after himself in a way he once dismissed.

At the centre of this change of heart are his grandchildren and the time he wants to spend with them as they grow up.

Writing in a column for The Times, Mr Clarkson said: “I’m not going to dwell on the joys of being a grandparent because what can be said about it has already been said.

“But I have decided that it is so wonderful that I want it to go on for as long as is humanly possible. Which means I must do everything in my power not to die.”

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Health scares have helped concentrate his mind further, starting with a hospital stay for pneumonia in 2017.

He then suffered what he has described as “really bad coronary artery problems” towards the end of 2024, experiencing a sudden downturn in his health that required urgent treatment.

The latest series of Clarkson’s Farm shows that “sudden deterioration” and the moment he needed a stent fitted.

This was to restore proper blood flow, and it underlines the seriousness of the episode for both the 66-year-old and his loved ones.

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Since undergoing the procedure, the former Top Gear presenter has tried to build new habits into his routine, turning to activities that support rather than undermine his long‑term health.

He has started doing reformer Pilates, embracing the low‑impact but tough sessions to work on strength, balance and flexibility as he gets older, according to a new article from Men’s Health.

Back at his Oxfordshire home, he has also had a pickleball court put in, adding the fast‑paced racket sport to his options for staying active without resorting to traditional gym workouts.

Walks have become part of his life too, with Mr Clarkson heading out from the farm when the weather cooperates to stretch his legs along local footpaths and fields.

The former prime minister and his wife, Carrie Johnson, had asked South Oxfordshire District Council for consent to remove the willow and two ash trees from the gardens.

Their Grade II‑listed riverside property, Brightwell Manor, lies in the countryside between Didcot and Wallingford and was bought in 2023 as a substantial family base away from London.

Mr Johnson has roots in the county, having previously served as Conservative MP for Henley from 2001 to 2008 before going on to be Mayor of London and later entering Downing Street.

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Brightwell Manor in Oxfordshire. (Image: Knight Frank)

Planning documents show photographs of the outdoor pool with the willow standing only a few metres away, close to a barbecue and seating area used for family gatherings.

Councillors have now signed off on the application following a consultation, allowing the felling work to proceed.

In his written case to the authority, Mr Johnson said the willow should be removed because falling leaves “keep filling up the pool and filter – causing damage to the filter” and added that he hoped to replace it with “a new shed”.

Plans also cover two ash trees: a smaller ash suffering from ash dieback and a larger multi‑stemmed tree described as being “too big for the location and [which] shades a new patio area”.

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Boris Johnson and his wife, Carrie Johnson. (Image: Victoria Jones / PA)

The 59-year-old stressed that he intends to “replant many trees in due course”, indicating that new planting is expected elsewhere in the extensive gardens.

No objections were submitted by neighbours during the consultation period, suggesting the proposals have attracted little local opposition.

The ruling follows an earlier dispute over the same pool, when permission was temporarily put on hold amid concerns about the impact on protected great crested newts.

Officials eventually granted approval in 2023 on the condition that the couple created additional wildlife habitats elsewhere in the garden to offset any possible harm.

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Brightwell Manor in Oxfordshire. (Image: Knight Frank)

Soon after the pool was completed, the family shared images of themselves and friends enjoying the water as they celebrated their son Frank’s second birthday.

Writing later in his newspaper column, Mr Johnson insisted he backed conservation efforts, declaring: “If necessary to protect the newts, I will consecrate the entire swimming pool to these wonderful survivors of the vast defeated armies of nature.

“And insofar as I dig a pool, it will be a newt pool and not a pool for human beings.”

He also remarked that, despite his efforts to check, he had yet to uncover any firm proof that great crested newts were actually present in his back garden.

The radio veteran, 80, has prostate cancer and in April he revealed it has spread to his upper spine.

Mr Harris, who lives in Steventon, near Abingdon, said leaving his shows has been “one of the hardest decisions of my life”.

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The former Old Grey Whistle Test presenter has lived in the village for more than 30 years.

Radio presenter Bob Harris (Image: Tim Hughes)

He added: “It’s incredible to think that my broadcasting career has spanned almost 56 years. I am very fortunate to have spent my entire working life doing something I love so much.

“I am a massive BBC loyalist, and I’m grateful that I have always been given the freedom to build my programmes in my own way.

“Most of my time on air has been spent with my fabulous family at Radio 2 and it has been such a joy to broadcast on this world-class radio station.

“I am so proud that the Radio 2 Country Show has played such a massive part in propelling country to become the fastest-growing music genre in the UK, and presenting Sounds Of The 70s on Sunday afternoons has been a real pleasure and made my time here the most special of my entire life.

“But more than anything, I want to say thank you to my listeners. I have put everything I have into every show I’ve ever done, and it’s all been because of you. Your love and loyalty mean more to me than words can ever say.

“I am so sorry that my health issues are forcing me to step down, but I realise that I must concentrate on getting myself well again.

“This has been one of the hardest decisions of my life, but I would never want to be doing programmes knowing that I am unable to give you 100 per cent.

“I am going to miss you, and I love you very much. Thank you for listening.”

Radio presenter Bob Harris (Image: PA)

Helen Thomas, head of Radio 2, hailed Harris as “a true radio legend” as she offered him “a sincere thank you.”

She said: “Bob has hosted The Radio 2 Country Show since 1999, becoming a trusted and respected tastemaker as the genre exploded in popularity.

“Since taking the reins of Sounds Of The 70s, he has filled the show with love, laughter and captivating stories of being at the heart of the music scene throughout the decade.

“Bob is adored by the Radio 2 family and his listeners, and we are all going to miss him and his weekly shows very much. Everyone at Radio 2 sends Bob and his family our love and support.”

Mr Harris, who has had a broadcasting career spanning almost 56 years, took over Sounds Of The 70s from Johnnie Walker in 2024.

He has also had roles on Radio 1, BBC Six Music and television, including his celebrated tenure on the award-winning BBC music show Old Grey Whistle Test during the 1970s.

Radio presenter Bob Harris (Image: BBC/PA)

The presenter has long been a passionate advocate for country, folk, Americana and singer-songwriters and introduced generations of listeners to emerging talent alongside established stars.

He played a significant role in the growing popularity of country music in the UK and BBC Radio 2 celebrated Harris’s 80th birthday in April with a special programme, Bob Harris At 80: A Life In Music.

He presented his last episode of Sounds Of The 70s on Sunday March 8, and his last Radio 2 Country Show on Thursday April 2.

Shaun Keaveny will officially take over as host of Sounds Of The 70s each Sunday from 3-5pm, after deputising in the slot, in addition to hosting the Radio 2 Rock Show on Friday nights.

He said: “As long as I can remember, I’ve loved the music of the 70s. My mum reckons Rocket Man was all over the radio when I was born in ’72 … guess who was playing that on the original Sounds Of The 70s at that time.

“It was the thrill of my life to meet Bob, the man who has done more to maintain the spirit of rock, roll and radio than almost anyone.

“I consider it not just an honour but a mission to continue Bob’s work of showing the world the greatness of the music of that special decade.

“Somewhere, every week, some kid hears Won’t Get Fooled Again for the first time. You did that for me Bob, and millions like me. We’d like to say Thank You For The Music, you’ll always be our Rock n Roll Doctor.”

Darius Rucker will continue to host The Radio 2 Country Show on Thursdays from 9-10pm in the interim.