Jeremy Clarkson Attacks Liam Gallagher’s Manchester Accent as “Stupid” — Will This Spark a Public Feud Between the Icons?

Jeremy Clarkson Delivers Blunt Manchester Verdict After Years Filming Quiz Show

Jeremy Clarkson has never been known for holding back his opinions, and his latest remarks about Manchester — and one of its most famous accents — have once again placed the broadcaster at the center of public debate. Writing in The Sunday Times, the former Top Gear host offered a candid reflection on how his attitude toward the northern city has evolved over nearly a decade of filming Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? there.

Clarkson revealed that his excitement at being offered the iconic quiz show role was initially unrestrained. According to his column, he accepted the job instantly, overwhelmed by the opportunity to host what he considers the greatest quiz format ever created. For Clarkson, Millionaire represents the pinnacle of television quiz shows, combining tension, simplicity, and mass appeal in a way few programs ever have.

However, that enthusiasm quickly cooled when he learned where production would be based.

Clarkson admitted that discovering the show would be filmed in Manchester gave him pause. Although he did not hide his disappointment at the time, he framed his reaction as part of a long-standing regional rivalry rather than outright hostility. Born in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, Clarkson suggested that tension between communities on opposite sides of the Pennines is almost cultural instinct.

In his characteristically provocative style, he joked that people from Yorkshire are raised with a built-in suspicion of those from what he called “the wet side” of the Pennines. While acknowledging that such views are exaggerated and tongue-in-cheek, Clarkson leaned heavily into the rivalry, describing Manchester as gloomy and miserable — at least in his early impressions.

His sharpest criticism, however, was reserved for Mancunian accents. Clarkson described them as his least favorite among northern dialects, singling out musician Liam Gallagher as an example. In the column, he suggested that if someone is going to sound northern, they should do so with what he considers more agreeable tones, referencing actors and musicians such as Sean Bean and Mark Knopfler instead.

The remark quickly drew attention online, with fans debating whether Clarkson’s comments were playful banter or an unnecessary insult. While some defended his right to express a personal preference, others criticized the comments as dismissive and stereotypical.

Despite the initial negativity, Clarkson made it clear that time and familiarity have significantly softened his view of Manchester. After eight years of regular travel to the city to film Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, he admitted that his opinion has shifted in unexpected ways.

What began as tolerance gradually turned into appreciation. Clarkson wrote that he first came to “not mind” Manchester, then began to enjoy his time there, and eventually reached a conclusion that surprised even him. In a striking admission, he suggested that Manchester may now rival — or even surpass — London in terms of livability and appeal.

This comparison carries particular weight given Clarkson’s long association with the capital and his frequent criticism of London life in recent years. Rising costs, congestion, and changing social dynamics have all featured in his previous columns, making Manchester’s growing appeal a noteworthy reversal.

Clarkson’s reflections highlight a broader shift in how Britain’s major cities are perceived. Manchester’s cultural influence, economic growth, and expanding media presence have made it a major hub for television production, attracting shows and talent that were once concentrated almost exclusively in London.

Beyond his newspaper writing, Clarkson remains a prominent figure on British television. He continues to front Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, maintaining strong viewing figures for ITV, while also appearing alongside his partner Lisa Hogan in Amazon Prime’s Clarkson’s Farm. The series offers a very different side of the presenter, focusing on the challenges of rural life at Diddly Squat Farm and showcasing moments of vulnerability alongside his trademark humor.

While Clarkson’s comments often spark controversy, they also reinforce the persona that has kept him in the public eye for decades — outspoken, provocative, and unapologetically opinionated. His Manchester verdict may have started as a dig, but it ultimately turned into an unexpected endorsement, proving that even Clarkson can change his mind with time.

As reactions continue to ripple across social media, one thing remains certain: whether praising or criticizing, Jeremy Clarkson still knows how to get people talking.