Explore the journey of Kaleb Cooper from farmhand to social media sensation, guided by Jeremy Clarkson's wisdom.
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Kaleb Cooper, the breakout star of Clarkson’s Farm, is navigating the complexities of sudden fame with advice from co-star Jeremy Clarkson. Since joining the show in 2021, the 27-year-old has captured the audience’s attention through his straightforward demeanor and engaging interactions with Clarkson.
Initially, Kaleb did not foresee the impact the show would have on his life, but as he soon discovered, his popularity skyrocketed.
The Unexpected Rise to Fame
Kaleb’s journey to celebrity status began when he agreed to appear on the Amazon Prime Video series.
“I didn’t think much of it at first,” he admitted. However, just six months into filming, he received a wake-up call from the director: “Kaleb, you’re gonna be a massive celebrity.” The statement proved prophetic as he gained a staggering one million followers on Instagram immediately after the show’s release.
Realizing the magnitude of his newfound fame, Kaleb sought guidance from Jeremy Clarkson. In an interview with The Sunday Times, he recounted their conversation: “I went to Jeremy, ‘What do I do?’ He went, ‘Kaleb, you’ve got two options. You go out there and make all the money you can, and you fall off the face of the earth in five years’ time, or you go for longevity.’” Kaleb chose the latter, prompting a critical warning from Clarkson about the perils of fame.
Advice for Longevity in the Spotlight
Jeremy Clarkson’s advice resonated with Kaleb, who is intent on making thoughtful decisions regarding his career. “He said, ‘Right, OK, then you’ve got to be really careful what you do and what you don’t do.’” Now, when brand deals come his way, Kaleb weighs the options carefully. Instead of jumping at lucrative offers, he contemplates his priorities, stating, “I’d rather go sit on the tractor, actually.”
With three million Instagram followers, Kaleb has successfully transitioned into a multifaceted career. He has authored four books, including a children’s title, Kaleb’s Farmyard Tales, and even took a hiatus from farming to embark on a solo theatre tour across the UK, which featured 37 performances. Clarkson publicly supported him during this time, sharing a heartfelt message on social media: “Wishing this silly sod all the very best this evening as he embarks on his nationwide tour. God speed mate. You’re a rock star.” This camaraderie highlights the supportive dynamic between the two.
Challenges of Farming Without Kaleb
While Kaleb was off on his tour, Clarkson faced significant challenges managing the farm solo. He later admitted to struggling without Kaleb’s assistance, leading him to recruit Harriet Cowan, a 24-year-old nurse and farmer, to help in the interim. Addressing rumors about Kaleb’s permanent replacement, Clarkson clarified: “There have been lots of reports that Kaleb has been ‘replaced’ – well, no he hasn’t. He went away on his speaking tour… I made a complete mess of everything and had to bring in… Harriet… until he got back.”
Reflecting on her collaboration with Clarkson, Harriet noted Kaleb’s grounded nature, stating, “He’s very much like every other farmer I’ve ever met… very much willing to learn. He wanted to do well by the farm… he’s still very much grounded and he doesn’t let the fame and all the publicity get to him.” This sentiment underscores Kaleb’s commitment to his roots despite his rising fame.
