Joel Dommett says Clarkson’s Farm is among ‘best shows’ on TV as it’s up for an award
Joel Dommett is backing Clarkson’s Farm for an NTA win in September (Image: Ian West/PA Wire)
Joel Dommett has described Amazon Prime Video’s Clarkson’s Farm as “one of the best shows” on TV.
The comedian, who is hosting the National Television Awards (NTAs) for the sixth time, praised the show’s impact and message ahead of the ceremony, which will be broadcast live from The O2 in London on September 8 at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
Clarkson’s Farm, which follows Jeremy Clarkson as he manages his Diddly Squat Farm near Chipping Norton, is nominated in a new NTA category which celebrates celebrity-led fly-on-the-wall documentaries.
Mr Dommett said: “Television is everyone’s medium, it’s a beautiful thing that doesn’t just bring your family together but it brings the country together.
“It brings the world together in these amazing cultural moments where everyone is watching something in the country – Mr Bates vs The Post Office, The Traitors, I’m A Celebrity, which you have to watch because it’s what everyone’s talking about in the office.
“It feels really cool right now that those moments are still coming at us thick and fast.”
He said he feels a personal connection to the show, having grown up on a farm in Gloucestershire.
Mr Dommett said: “I grew up on a farm, so I understand the slightly agricultural references and stuff – but the show also works for people who don’t.
“I just think it’s one of the best shows in telly, and the numbers speak for itself.
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“It has also got this amazing, really important message that’s being delivered to the country to people who don’t necessarily understand that farming is in jeopardy, and in a really difficult position right now.”
He also praised Jeremy Clarkson for raising awareness about the challenges facing British farmers.
Since launching the show, Clarkson has become a vocal supporter of farmers and even attended a protest in London against the Government’s move to introduce inheritance tax on farmland in November 2024.
Dommett told PA: “The weather this year has completely ruined crops for almost everyone, and that’s people’s livelihoods.
“Then you’ve got the fact the government don’t help either.
“It’s just become this real storm of uncertainty for farmers, and I think it’s really difficult.
“I love that Jeremy’s bringing attention to that – it’s really cool.”
This year’s NTAs also feature the first-ever all-female shortlist in the drama performance category, something Mr Dommett says is “long overdue”.
He said: “I feel like I’m rooting for all of them.
“There’s a really great bunch on there, and it feels long overdue to have a full female category.”
He also expressed his admiration for TV presenters Ant and Dec.
Mr Dommett said: “I always root for Ant and Dec, because I love them.
“But they are against David Attenborough this year – how is this going to turn out?”
Despite his experience hosting the NTAs, Mr Dommett admitted the night is still “a bit daunting”.
He said: “It’s such an interesting night to host.
“I love doing it, and I love doing live television.
“It’s really fun and feels really exciting to me.
“The fact that it’s voted for by the people at home makes it even more exciting.”
How to watch Clarkson’s Farm
Clarkson’s Farm has five series available to watch.
To catch up with the series, you can watch it with a Prime Video membership and watch the drama unfold with Jeremy Clarkson, Kaleb Cooper, Charlie Ireland and more taking on work at Diddly Squat Farm.
The NTAs will be broadcast live on ITV1 and ITVX on September 8 from 8pm.
Will you be rooting for Clarkson’s Farm at the NTAs? Let us know in our poll above or in the comments below.
