Vinnie Jones has publicly addressed his frustration regarding persistent comparisons between his Discovery+ television series, Vinnie Jones In The Country, and Jeremy Clarkson's highly popular farming programme, Clarkson's Farm. The actor and former professional footballer described the situation as genuinely "upsetting" during a candid interview with Radio Times magazine.
Distinct Differences Between Programmes
While acknowledging that Clarkson has "done a fantastic job raising awareness for farmers" through his Amazon Prime Video series, Jones emphasized the fundamental differences between their respective shows. "Ours is a different little show," Jones explained. "It's a show without an agenda, and it's not a farm show – it's an in-the-country show."
The third series of Vinnie Jones In The Country continues to explore the presenter's personal connection to rural life, contrasting with Clarkson's Farm which documents the challenges and triumphs of running Diddly Squat Farm in Oxfordshire.
Addressing Public Persona and Personal Journey
Jones also used the interview opportunity to reflect on his public image, admitting he had been perceived as a "lunatic" during earlier periods of his career. "A lot of that I brought on myself with the drinking," he confessed openly. "But I'm 12 years sober this April, and I wanted to show people what I actually do in my spare time."
The television personality elaborated on his deep, authentic connection to the natural world, a passion he inherited from his father whom he described as "always a passionate country man." Jones shared a revealing anecdote: "Yesterday, I sat for six hours just to see a kingfisher. I'm not a south London gangster, never have been."
Demonstrating his extensive knowledge of British wildlife, Jones asserted: "If I were on Mastermind, my specialist subject would be British nature – not many people would beat me."
Professional Background and Current Projects
Known internationally for his breakthrough role in Guy Ritchie's 1998 debut film Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels, Jones is scheduled to appear in the director's forthcoming action thriller, Viva la Madness, later this year.
Before his acting career, Jones enjoyed a successful football career spanning more than 500 games at the top level of the sport. He played for prominent clubs including Chelsea, Queens Park Rangers, and Leeds United, and was part of Wimbledon's famous "Crazy Gang" team that won the 1987 FA Cup. Jones also earned nine international caps representing Wales.
Clarkson's Farm Success Story
Clarkson's Farm launched in 2021 and has since become one of the most significant successes in Jeremy Clarkson's extensive broadcasting career. Clarkson originally purchased Diddly Squat Farm in 2008 as an investment property but began actively running the agricultural operation in 2019.
The documentary series has chronicled the highs and lows of Clarkson's farming journey since its premiere, becoming one of Amazon Prime Video's most-watched television programmes. In July 2024, Clarkson expanded his business interests by taking over The Windmill, a traditional country pub in Asthall near Burford, situated on five acres of picturesque countryside.
The continued popularity of both programmes highlights the British public's enduring fascination with rural life and countryside programming, though Jones remains determined to establish his show's unique identity separate from Clarkson's agricultural-focused series.
