Jeremy Clarkson has fired back at accusations the Cotswolds has been ruined by A-listers following reports that Beyonce and Jay-Z are set to move in.
The region is no stranger to having big names as residents, with the Beckham family and Ellen DeGeneres among those setting up home in the countryside.
Speaking on stage at the National Television Awards on Wednesday, Jeremy addressed concern that the area had been ‘ruined’ after winning the Factual Entertainment gong for Clarkson’s Farm.
The presenter, 65, bought his 312-acre farm, Diddly Squat back in 2012 for £4.25million, and his exploits were turned into the hugely popular TV show in 2021.
Addressing accusations the Cotswolds has been ruined by A-listers moving into the beauty spot, Jeremy said: ‘I genuinely haven’t got a clue who Beyonce and Jay Z are.
‘Everybody says the Cotswolds is being taken over by celebrities and you just think, I don’t see them.’
Jeremy Clarkson has fired back at accusations the Cotswolds has been ruined by A-listers following reports that Beyonce and Jay-Z are set to move in
The region is no stranger to big names with the Beckham family and Ellen DeGeneres among those setting up home in the countryside (Jay-Z and Beyonce pictured in February)
He added: ‘I look out of the window in the morning and I don’t see the celebrities. I don’t care, it’s a really nice part of the country, still is a really nice part of the country, it hasn’t been ruined.’
Taking the opportunity to mention the plight of farmers, Jeremy added: ‘You don’t love farming, you love moments of it because it’s really tricky.
‘Farmers are amazing, every single one I meet it staggers me how hard they work for no money. It’s never been harder to be a farmer.’
Earlier this week, it was reported that Beyonce and Jay-Z are in the final stages of purchasing 58 acres of land on the outskirts of Wigginton, after receiving planning permission to build a ‘spectacular rural estate’.
If the couple seal the deal, they will be a stone’s throw away from Great Tew, where a string of big names already reside.
Beyonce and Jay-Z are the latest stars from America setting up home in the English idyll of the Cotswolds.
Cotswolds estate agents have told the Daily Mail they have had their busiest summer for sales to the rich and famous.
They have also revealed that celebrities are demanding some realtors sign NDAs to keep the purchase of their mansions – or land – secret.
Addressing the accusations Jeremy said: ‘I genuinely haven’t got a clue who Beyonce and Jay Z are. Everybody says the Cotswolds is being taken over by celebrities, I don’t see them’
Helen Whitfield, Head of Residential Agency at Butler Sherborn, said: ‘There has been a slight change in the most desirable area of the Cotswolds.
‘There are a few factors that have led to an easterly shift in location. Firstly, the opening of prestigious members clubs including Soho Farmhouse, Estelle Manor and The Daylesford Club.
‘Secondly, is the rise in international residents, so the need for proximity to International Airports. This brings Heathrow a lot closer as well as Oxford Airport, where private jets can land’.
She added: ‘It has been a particularly busy summer with well known visitors and residents coming to stay and live in the area.
‘Though there have been high profile people living in the Cotswolds for many years, it seems the international draw over recent times has increased.’
Given previous backlash when British villagers have been disturbed by high-profile moves, this one has divided the locals, as Gerry Barrago, 77, who lives close to the now-closed White Swan Inn, said: ‘I don’t give a flying toss.’
He added that his wife frequently sees Beyonce and Jay-Z swoop into Burford Garden Centre in their classic Range Rovers.
‘When someone points them out to my wife, her first reaction is to ask who they are,’ Gerry added. ‘Some of these so-called celebrities I’ve never actually heard of.’
