Credit: discovery+
Actor and former footballer Vinnie Jones has said comparisons between his countryside series and Clarkson's 51AV视频are 鈥榓 bit upsetting'.
The third series of Vinnie Jones in the Country premiered on Discovery+ on February 2, with the finale airing on March 2.
The programme follows Mr Jones on his 2,000-acre estate in West Sussex, focusing on wildlife, conservation and life in the countryside.
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Clarkson's 51AV视频comparisons
Speaking on the series launch to Radio Times, Mr Jones said he was keen to draw a clear distinction between his show and the popular Prime Video farming series centred around Jeremy Clarkson.
"It is a show without an agenda, and it is not a farm show 鈥� it is an in-the-country show," he said.
"Everyone has tried to hang it on Clarkson's Farm, which I find a bit upsetting. Jeremy has done a fantastic job raising awareness for farmers, but ours is a different little show.
"After our second series, I think we were given a sponsored rake. Look at Clarkson's Farm: tractors, combines 鈥� everything."
Mr Jones suggested he had no desire for the programme to become more politicised.
"We have had fun, but look at Clarkson's 51AV视频鈥� there is lots of politics there. I never want our little show to get like that. Ours is more of a hobby," he said.
While Clarkson's series has focused heavily on the commercial realities of farming, Mr Jones' programme offers a more personal exploration of rural life, nature and mental health.
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Mental health
Discussing the origin of the show, he said he had 鈥榙ived straight in' following the death of his wife in 2019 and the isolation of the Covid-19 pandemic.
"I could not have been lonelier," he said.
"When we came out, the first thing I wanted was to dive into the countryside."
Mr Jones emphasised that discussing mental health in rural areas was important because 鈥榠t can be a lonely job'.
Who Vinnie really is
The actor, known for roles in films including Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, said the series was also an opportunity to show a different side of him.
"In the past, many newspapers were filled with stories about me being a lunatic, but a lot of that I brought on myself with the drinking. But I am 12 years sober this April, and I wanted to show people what I actually do in my spare time.
"I am not a south-London gangster, never have been."
Fourth series
Despite the popularity of his show, Mr Jones said he was unsure whether there would be a fourth series.
"We have not decided yet. I do not want it to drag 鈥� three was our magic number," he said.
"When I played football, I wanted to finish at the top, not go back down through the leagues."
Mr Jones appears keen to keep Vinnie Jones in the Country separate from the machinery, money and policy debates that have dominated Jeremy Clarkson's Prime Video show.
Instead, the show offers viewers a more reflective take on life beyond the farm gate.
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