Vinnie Jones Rejects Comparisons to Clarkson's Farm in Candid Interview
Former footballer and actor Vinnie Jones has firmly responded to what he describes as "upsetting" allegations that his countryside reality series, Vinnie Jones In The Country, is a copy of Jeremy Clarkson's popular Amazon Prime show, Clarkson's Farm. The 61-year-old star launched his Discovery+ program in 2023, documenting his experiences managing 2,000 acres of West Sussex countryside and undertaking various farmyard projects.
Praise for Clarkson But Emphasis on Distinct Format
While filming the third season of his series and working on Guy Ritchie's Netflix hit The Gentleman, Jones expressed admiration for Jeremy Clarkson, 65, acknowledging the former Top Gear presenter's role in "raising awareness for farmers." However, he insisted his show is fundamentally different. "It’s a show without an agenda, and it’s not a farm show – it’s an in-the-country show," Jones told Radio Times. "Everyone’s tried to hang it on Clarkson’s Farm, which I find a bit upsetting. Jeremy’s done a fantastic job, but ours is a different little show."
He humorously highlighted the contrast in scale, noting that after his second series, he received "a sponsored rake," whereas Clarkson's program features "tractors, combines – everything!" This distinction underscores Jones's focus on personal countryside living rather than large-scale agricultural operations.
Inspiration from Lockdown and Personal Loss
Jones revealed that the concept for Vinnie Jones In The Country originated during the coronavirus lockdown, following the tragic death of his wife Tanya in 2019 after a six-year battle with cancer. He admitted spending lockdown watching Netflix boxsets, which fueled his desire to "dive into the countryside" upon returning outdoors. His lifelong passion for nature, inspired by his "passionate country man" father, also played a key role. Jones joked that his "Mastermind specialist subject would be British nature," claiming "not many people would beat" him.
Hailing Sir David Attenborough as his hero, Jones explained the series offers fans a glimpse into his spare-time activities beyond watching natural history documentaries. "I'm not a South London gangster, never have been - yesterday I sat for six hours just to see a kingfisher," he concluded, challenging public perceptions of his persona.
Mental Health Advocacy and Rural Loneliness
The show has evolved into a platform for mental health advocacy, with Jones sharing how it helped him save a man's life. He recounted an incident where a viewer approached his gate, crediting an episode discussing perseverance through tough times for preventing suicide. "I believe the real way to man up is to talk about the hard stuff," Jones told Country Life, emphasizing the importance of open dialogue.
He is actively tackling rural loneliness and isolation, issues exacerbated by pub closures and the shift to online meetings. Jones hosts breakfasts for local farmers to foster face-to-face connections, stating they have "lost opportunities" for social interaction. Reflecting on his grief after losing Tanya, he added, "We all have a different journey, but grief is roughly the same colour. I hope that with what I’ve been through and the joy I am going through now, I can help."
Personal Life and New Beginnings
Jones has found love again with girlfriend Emma Ford, a former PA to Mick Jones of The Clash and ex-showbiz reporter. The couple was brought together during the pandemic at his West Sussex farm, and Ford now features in the documentary series. Despite saying in 2019 he would "never be with anyone else" after Tanya's passing, Jones has moved forward, noting, "You just keep moving forwards, the grief is always going to be in there." Tanya was diagnosed with skin cancer in 2013 and passed away in 2019 after it spread to her brain.
Vinnie Jones In The Country is currently streaming on Discovery+, offering viewers an intimate look at Jones's rural life, mental health efforts, and personal resilience.
