Changes at Diddly Squat 2026: Jeremy Clarkson Officially Introduces His New ‘Right Hand’
Life at Diddly Squat Farm is rarely quiet, but the latest developments from the Cotswolds suggest a bittersweet mixture of new beginnings and frustrating setbacks. While Jeremy Clarkson has officially welcomed a new face to his increasingly crowded animal pens, the 65-year-old broadcaster has also issued a stark warning to fans: the wait for the next installment of his hit Amazon Prime series may be longer than anticipated.
A New Face for Diddly Squat
Jeremy Clarkson took to social media this week to introduce the newest resident of Diddly Squat: Ben the Donkey. In a characteristically brief announcement, Clarkson shared a photo of the animal with the caption, “Please welcome to Diddly Squat. New Ben.”
The arrival of “New Ben” marks a continuation of Clarkson’s soft spot for donkeys. In June 2025, the farm became a retirement home for two other donkeys, Bill and the original Ben. With a herd of cows, a growing pack of dogs (Sansa and Arya), and his infamous pigs—including the memorably named “Richard Ham”—the former Top Gear host’s transformation from petrolhead to protector of the pasture seems complete.
TB Lockdown and Torrential Rains
However, it isn’t all sunshine and social media posts. In his latest Sunday Times column, Clarkson painted a grim picture of the current state of British agriculture. Filming for Season 5 has ground to a halt due to a “perfect storm” of meteorological and biological challenges.
“There’s no filming happening on the farm at the moment, or farming,” Clarkson admitted. He cited the relentless rainfall that has plagued the beginning of 2026, leaving the soil too saturated for planting. More concerningly, the farm remains under a strict Bovine Tuberculosis (TB) lockdown, preventing any movement or new initiatives with his cattle.
The Road to Season 6
Despite the immediate delays, the future of Clarkson’s Farm remains secure. Following the success of Season 4, which premiered on May 23rd, 2025, Amazon and Clarkson have already greenlit Season 6 for a 2027 release.
Clarkson, who has previously hinted at retirement, seems to have found a second wind. “I’ve got a good idea for six,” he told reporters at the end of last year. “I said I’ll stop doing them when there are no more ideas. But I’ve got two quite good ones, so we’ll do six and then we’ll see…”
For now, fans will have to settle for Instagram updates of “New Ben” while the Diddly Squat team waits for the Cotswold mud to dry and the vet’s “all-clear” to sound.