Jeremy Clarkson reveals he was rushed to hospital hours after slating NHS as ‘creaking old monster’ in newspaper column
Jeremy Clarkson has revealed that he was rushed to hospital just hours after publishing a fiery column criticizing the NHS as a “creaking old monster.”
The 64-year-old Clarkson’s Farm star and longtime Sunday Times and Sun columnist shared that he required urgent medical attention on October 5, the very same day his scathing remarks about the health service were made public.
Writing in his latest Sunday Times column, Clarkson admitted that his condition quickly deteriorated, forcing him to seek emergency care at Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital. “I needed urgent hospital treatment,” he wrote. “The NHS was my only option.”
He went on to describe the experience as “Defcon 1 painful,” saying that the pain was so severe, “they had to chisel me off the ceiling with a spatula afterwards.” Clarkson explained that he was kept overnight for observation but noted that his stay “was OK,” despite the initial dread he felt upon realizing he’d be spending the night in a hospital ward.
The outspoken presenter, who underwent life-saving heart surgery just a year ago, said he began feeling “a very hot neck” before realizing how serious his condition was. Despite his public criticisms of the health system, Clarkson praised the hospital staff and conditions, calling the facility “spotless” and the medical team “kind and professional.”
“I genuinely couldn’t find anything to moan about,” he admitted, noting his relief that no one recognized him during his stay.
Still, the experience did not soften his stance on the NHS entirely. “We as a nation cannot afford it,” he maintained, reaffirming his belief that Britain’s healthcare model is unsustainable.
For now, Clarkson hasn’t revealed what specific ailment sent him to hospital — adding with typical bluntness, “That’s none of your business.”
The TV farmer is now said to be recovering well at home, preparing for the upcoming release of Clarkson’s Farm Season 5 and continuing his regular newspaper columns.