Jeremy Clarkson Guides Kaleb Cooper Through Fame as Young Farmer Eyes Longevity

In the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, Diddly Squat Farm—formerly Curdle Hill Farm—has become a household name thanks to the runaway success of Amazon Prime’s Clarkson’s Farm. Purchased by Jeremy Clarkson in 2008, the Oxfordshire property in Chadlington serves as the backdrop for the hit documentary series, which chronicles the trials and triumphs of farming life. At the heart of the show is Kaleb Cooper, a 27-year-old farmhand from Chipping Norton whose no-nonsense attitude and quick wit have made him a fan favorite since the series debuted in 2021. As Cooper navigates his newfound fame, Clarkson, the former Top Gear presenter turned farmer, has offered a stark warning about the perils of celebrity, steering the young star toward a path of longevity over fleeting riches.

Cooper’s rise to fame has been meteoric. With four seasons of Clarkson’s Farm under his belt, including the latest released in May and June 2025, he has become a recognizable face both in the UK and beyond. Speaking to The Sunday Times, Cooper recounted a pivotal moment early in his television journey. “Six months into it, the director said to me, ‘Kaleb, you’re gonna be a massive celebrity,’” he shared. “The day after it came out, I gained a million followers on Instagram.” Overwhelmed by the sudden spotlight, Cooper turned to Clarkson for guidance. “I went to Jeremy, ‘What do I do?’” he recalled. Clarkson, no stranger to fame himself, laid out two paths: “Kaleb, you’ve got two options. You go out there and make all the money you can, and you fall off the face of the earth in five years’ time, or you go for longevity.”

Opting for a sustainable career, Cooper received a cautionary warning from his mentor. “He said, ‘Right, OK, then you’ve got to be really careful what you do and what you don’t do,’” Cooper explained. This advice has shaped his approach to fame, leading him to prioritize authenticity over quick financial gains. When lucrative offers come his way, such as brand endorsements, Cooper remains grounded. “When someone says, ‘Do you want to do an advert for a brand, the money’s great,’ I think, ‘Probably not. I’d rather go sit on the tractor, actually,’” he said. This commitment to staying true to his roots reflects not only his love for farming but also his determination to build a lasting presence in the public eye.

The dynamic between Clarkson and Cooper is a cornerstone of Clarkson’s Farm, blending humor, mentorship, and mutual respect. Clarkson’s experience in the high-pressure world of television has proven invaluable for Cooper, who has leaned on his boss for advice on navigating fame’s challenges. From sharing insights from his Top Gear days to offering practical tips for engaging live audiences during Cooper’s recent tours, Clarkson has been a guiding force. Their relationship, often marked by playful banter—Cooper famously dubbed Clarkson “granddad” rather than a father figure—has endeared them to fans, who see their partnership as a blend of camaraderie and hard-won wisdom.

As Clarkson’s Farm prepares for its fifth season, currently being filmed in Oxfordshire with an expected release in 2026, Cooper’s role remains central. The series has not only entertained millions but also shed light on the realities of British agriculture, from unpredictable weather to economic pressures. Cooper, who started his first business at 13 selling eggs, embodies the grit and passion of the farming community. His authenticity resonates with viewers, many of whom have called for him to have his own show or to join Clarkson in new ventures. Yet, Cooper remains focused on his work at Diddly Squat Farm, where he balances his television commitments with running his contracting business, raising three young children, and advocating for agriculture.

Cooper’s dedication to farming extends beyond the screen. He has launched a £3,000 bursary at the Royal Agricultural University to support aspiring farmers from non-farming backgrounds and regularly speaks at schools to promote agriculture as a career. His recent children’s book, Kaleb’s Farmyard Tales: Escaping Animals and Runaway Tractors, aims to educate and entertain young readers about farm life. These efforts reflect his belief that farming should be part of the national curriculum, a cause he champions with characteristic bluntness. “Food is the most important thing in the world,” he has said, dismissing politicians’ promises with a candid, “MPs, they’re all full of s***.”

Despite his growing fame, Cooper remains tethered to Chipping Norton, where he lives with his fiancée, Taya, and their children, Oscar, Willa, and Ashton. His reluctance to stray far from home was evident until a recent trip to Bruges, his first abroad, sparked by Clarkson’s tales of global adventures. “I spend my life with the most travelled man, talking to the most travelled man in the world,” Cooper said. “My brain starts thinking, maybe I should listen to him.” This openness to new experiences hints at a broadening horizon, even as he remains rooted in the Cotswolds.

Clarkson’s warning to Cooper underscores a deeper truth about fame: its fleeting nature demands careful choices. By choosing longevity, Cooper is carving out a unique path, blending his agricultural expertise with a burgeoning media career. As he juggles filming, family, and his advocacy work, he continues to embody the heart of Clarkson’s Farm—a show that celebrates the resilience and humor of those who work the land. With season five on the horizon, fans eagerly await more of Cooper’s wit, wisdom, and tractor-bound adventures, confident that his grounded approach will keep him a beloved figure for years to come.