Jeremy Clarkson has revealed he is facing serious health concerns that have impacted his career plans. The 65-year-old presenter is currently dealing with a persistent back injury that has left him "barely able to move".
This comes after a life-saving heart operation last year when doctors inserted two stents to unblock his arteries. Medical professionals told the former Top Gear host he was just "days away" from potential death before the procedure.
The health scare occurred after a holiday diving incident that went horribly wrong, leaving his lungs filled with water.
Clarkson experienced alarming symptoms including chest tightness and pins and needles in his left arm, prompting a rush to hospital.
Jeremy Clarkson with his Diddly Squat family
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Writing in his latest column, Clarkson made a worrying comment about his latest back problem, and revealed it could impact the future of his Amazon Prime Video series, Clarkson's Farm.
He said: "I'd do a sixth [season of Clarkson's Farm] if there was a reason for doing it, like a bl**dy good story. But if, say, my back turns out to be cancerous then I wouldn't."
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Jeremy Clarkson takes on the running of his own pub in the upcoming series of Clarkson's Farm
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In November, he revealed he was suffering from what he believed to be a slipped disc. The injury has significantly limited his mobility, with reports indicating he was "barely able to move" at times.
This back issue represents the latest in a series of health concerns for the presenter, who has been filming the fifth series of his hit Amazon Prime show.
The health scare has prompted Clarkson to make significant lifestyle changes. He told fans earlier this year that he was "feeling better" and "eating far fewer sausages".
While filming Who Wants to be a Millionaire?, he explained: "My phone flashed up this morning saying, 'You are taking far fewer steps this week than last'. It also says you are eating far fewer sausages. I just sit here and eat celery. I am feeling better on it. I do feel very well."
He has consulted a dietician who advised him to avoid processed foods. "If it's got more than one ingredient in it, don't eat it," Clarkson said of his new dietary guidelines.
As a result of his health challenges and the rigours of filming, Clarkson has announced that his hit Amazon Prime show will take a break after the fifth season, which is currently being filmed.
"Whatever happens we'll definitely take a short break as the crews are all worn out," he told The Times. "We've been filming here two or three days a week, every week, for five years. Everybody could do with a rest."
The show has become an unexpected global hit, even attracting visitors from China to his Oxfordshire farm.
Jeremy Clarkson's series has proved a smash hit for Amazon Prime Video
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Clarkson admitted he initially had doubts about the show's appeal: "I did think it'd serve up gentle disappointment to the Top Gear Grand Tour audience."
Despite his health challenges, Clarkson has dismissed the idea of retirement. "I'd just be an alcoholic if I stopped working, what else would I do? I have no hobbies, I'm good at nothing," he added.
"What would I do? Watercolour paint? Birdwatch? I wouldn't be able to fill the day."
The upcoming fourth season of Clarkson's Farm will feature a major change at Diddly Squat farm as Harriet Cowan, 24, is temporarily replacing Kaleb Cooper as Clarkson's farmhand.
Jeremy Clarkson, Lisa Hogan, and Kaleb Cooper will all return in the new series of Clarkson's FarmAMAZON Despite her young age, Cowan is experienced in farming and has already secured a brand deal with Country Moos, a sock company specialising in cow designs.
