Tony Abbott has admitted he is a “real addict” of the hit farming TV series starring Jeremy Clarkson in the wake of the British broadcaster’s shock cancer news.
Mr Clarkson is in remission after recently sharing the news of his cancer diagnosis during the final episodes of Clarkson’s Farm’s fifth season.
The TV star later jokingly assured fans he is “not dead” and “perfectly fine”, saying his prostate cancer had been detected early after he got tested for the disease.
The former Australian prime minister, who recently visited Mr Clarkson’s The Farmer’s Dog pub in Oxfordshire, has since admitted he is an avid viewer of the broadcaster’s popular show.
“I have become a real addict of Clarkson’s Farm and I can’t wait to watch the fifth series,” he told News Corp Europe correspondent Sophie Elsworth in London.
“Margie (Mr Abbott’s wife) and I have spent many an evening laughing along with Clarkson as he explores and ultimately triumphs over all the travails of farming.
“I think Clarkson’s farm has been a great way for people who are not from the land to learn about the land and to appreciate how much farmers love the land.”
Mr Abbott also sent a heartfelt message to Mr Clarkson following the news of his cancer diagnosis, saying he thought there would be “tens, maybe hundreds of millions of people who will be wishing him a swift recovery”.
“Let’s hope he stays in remission,” the former prime minister said.
“I suspect over the years he has given his body a bit of a hiding. Let’s hope he continues to enjoy the good life for a long life.”
It comes after Mr Clarkson revealed his diagnosis to farm manager Charlie Ireland and farm hand Kaleb Cooper during an emotional scene on Clarkson’s farm.
“I’ve got cancer,” he told the pair.
“No, you haven’t. Where?” Cooper then replied.
“Where it is of no concern of anybody. I’ve known since May,” Clarkson responded.
“Hello, everyone. The more observant among you would have noticed that I’m not dead,” he said in the clip posted to Instagram.
“And I’m not just not dead, I’m perfectly fine.
He urged his male followers to get tested for the for prostate cancer, saying the reason he was “fine” is because the disease was detected early.
“Now I know a lot of you will say ‘Oh, I don’t want to be tested’, because it means someone will have to put their finger in me,” he said.
“But it’s just a blood test these days.”