Harriet Cowan sets record straight on candid Jeremy Clarkson interactions: 'Not putting it on'

Olivia Gantzer
Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:38:44 +0000

Clarkson's Farm star Harriet Cowan has made clear she happily puts co-star Jeremy Clarkson in his place while they film the popular series.

The 25-year-old emerged as the standout personality from the fourth series of Clarkson's Farm, winning viewers over with her sharp wit and refusal to be intimidated by the former Top Gear presenter.

Ms Cowan stepped in temporarily for regular farm manager Kaleb Cooper during last year's season, quickly establishing herself as someone unafraid to challenge the show's host.

Her direct manner and extensive agricultural expertise made her an instant hit with audiences, while Mr Clarkson himself described her as "brilliant".

Speaking to The Times about her approach, Ms Cowan explained: "If a bloke thinks he knows better than me and starts talking s***, I'll tell him so."

She emphasised that her on-screen persona was entirely genuine: "When I was on Clarkson's Farm telling Jeremy what I thought, that was the real me. It wasn't put on for the cameras."

The farmer wasted no time in pointing out areas where Mr Clarkson was falling short, criticising his hedge maintenance and noting that a squeaky cow brush required some WD40 lubricant.

Her quick humour also became a highlight of the series. During a farm tour in the opening episode, when Mr Clarkson pointed out a Neolithic fort dating back 4,000 years, Cowan fired back: "Nearly as old as you."

These exchanges with the ex-Top Gear host earned Ms Cowan a devoted following, with fans appreciating both her practical knowledge and comedic timing.

Her father works as a farmer, giving her a lifelong connection to agriculture that informed her confident approach on the programme.

Ms Cowan studied nursing at the University of Derby before working in community healthcare, where she received the offer to join Clarkson's Farm.

She has since abandoned her medical career to concentrate entirely on agriculture, finding it impossible to balance both pursuits.

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"There was a period where I thought I could do both but when I was doing home visits, some of the patients started recognising me," she told The Times.

"I'm trying to take their blood pressure and they want to know about me sitting behind Alison Hammond at the National Television Awards."

Her hometown appointed her as their Young Farmers spokesperson, and she maintains an active social media presence showcasing the realities of agricultural work.

Looking ahead, Ms Cowan is focused on purchasing her own farm alongside her partner, James Booth, while continuing freelance work and helping on her family's land.

Ms Cowan's television appearances have been credited with inspiring more young people, particularly women, to consider careers in agriculture.

However, she offered a sobering assessment of the industry's prospects, stating: "People have said that me being on telly has got more young people, especially girls, interested in farming, but British farmers aren't getting support, so there aren't many jobs."

The fifth series is currently being filmed and expected to arrive on Prime Video next month, with episodes reportedly documenting the devastating bovine tuberculosis outbreak that hit the Cotswolds farm in October 2025.

Viewers have called for Ms Cowan's return, though her involvement remains unconfirmed.