Jeremy Clarkson has been caught up in the disruptions caused by JD Vance's controversial Cotswolds visit. The US Vice President is holidaying in the hamlet of Dean, near the 1,000-acre Oxfordshire farm where Clarkson's Farm is filmed.
Security in Chipping Norton has reached high alert, with roadblocks and a stronger police presence in place. Vance is being driven around in a convoy, creating significant disruption to the typically quiet rural area.
Filming disruption
A no-fly zone has been activated over the surrounding area, which encompasses Clarkson's Diddly Squat Farm. Producers are consequently unable to get drone shots for the show's forthcoming fifth season.
Clarkson shared a photo of the no-fly zone, writing: "We are the pin. So on the downside, no drone shots today." The restriction directly impacts the production of the hit Prime Video series.
Clarkson's right-hand man, Kaleb Cooper, was left frustrated by the security measures in place for Vance. Cooper reported that Vance's convoy held him up while he was transporting wheat to a shed.
Clarkson did flag one "upside" of Vance's visit. The no-fly zone meant that filming on the ground at Diddly Squat will not be affected by "annoying light aircraft" noise.
Local community impact
Residents near the Grade II-listed country manor where Vance and his family are staying have complained about the upending of the typically quaint Cotswolds atmosphere. The enhanced security has transformed the peaceful rural environment.
According to The Telegraph, owners of the manor have apologised to locals "for the circus". They added that they hoped it would not be "too disruptive".
Holiday details
Vance is renting the home from owners Johnny and Pippa Hornby, who bought the property in 2017. The property includes two cellars, tennis court, rose garden, gym and a Georgian orangery, all set within six acres of land.
The Vice President is visiting the area with his wife Usha and children Ewan, Vivek and Mirabel. The luxury manor provides an idyllic setting for the family holiday.
Clarkson bought his now-famous Diddly Squat land in 2008. After the villager who ran the farm retired in 2019, he decided to try and run it himself - a venture tracked in the hit Prime Video series Clarkson's Farm.
He recently extended his business empire by taking over a rural country pub in Asthall. The "village boozer" sits on five acres of countryside near Burford.
Sources used: "The Independent", "The Telegraph", "Metro" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
