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Jeremy Clarkson has revealed a heartbreaking loss at his famous Diddly Squat Farm. The 65-year-old former Top Gear and Grand Tour presenter shared the sad update from his Oxfordshire property, confirming that one of the animals featured on Clarkson's Farm has been put down. Speaking to The Sun, Mr Clarkson explained that the news came just as the farm was finally emerging from a difficult period of restrictions caused by disease.

He said: "After seven months of lockdown, Diddly Squat farm became officially TB-free this week. But before we had a chance to celebrate, we found out that one of our donkeys has laminitis and must be put down." Laminitis is a serious and painful condition affecting the hooves, and in severe cases euthanasia is often the only humane option. But despite his relief at declaring the farm TB-free, the victory proved devastatingly short-lived - as it came too late to save Jeremy's beloved donkey.

"In farming, it seems you are allowed one bit of good news, but it must always be accompanied by some kind of disaster," he added.

The loss comes after a turbulent year for the farm. Clarkson revealed his land had been hit by a TB outbreak last summer, admitting at the time he was "absolutely devastated".

Tragically, the loss arrives just weeks after he introduced a brand-new donkey to Diddly Squat. The animal - dubbed New Ben - appeared to replace his much-loved previous donkey, also called Ben, though it is not clear whether the newly arrived donkey was the one affected.

Original Ben had become a familiar face to fans after arriving in June 2025 with his companion Bill to spend their retirement on the farm, regularly appearing in Clarkson's social media posts.

When Jeremy later shared news of New Ben, concerned followers asked whether the donkey would have company.

One wrote: "I hope you have another donkey for Ben, donkeys shouldn't live on their own and other livestock aren't suitable companions." Jeremy reassured them: "Yes. We know that."

The presenter is currently filming the next series of his Prime Video hit Clarkson's Farm, meaning cameras may have captured the emotional period behind the scenes.

The tragedy is far from the first loss Clarkson has faced while running Diddly Squat. In an interview last year, he admitted farming had taken a heavy emotional toll after a devastating run of setbacks, including a cow infected with bovine TB, the sudden death of one of his puppies and a critically ill calf - all within 24 hours.

He said the experience left him "not enjoying farming this week", in an interview with The Times, describing the situation as "absolutely dreadful" as infected animals often have to be destroyed to prevent the disease spreading.