Jeremy Clarkson: ‘Ranulph Fiennes should not be in a care home’

| Deputy Entertainment Editor Published October 11, 2026 10:25am Updated October 11, 2026 10:25am ‘I’ve known Ran all my adult life,’ Jeremy Clarkson said (Picture: Getty/Shutterstock) Jeremy Clarkson has shared his concern for longtime friend Sir Ranulph Fiennes, saying he’s ‘sad to hear about his current problems’. Questions about 82-year-old Sir Ranulph, who has not been seen in public for two years, rose after fellow explorer Anton Bowring wrote to him in February last year asking for his help, The Telegraph revealed. The British explorer is said to have been moved to care homes in Wales and Cheshire in the past year under an assumed identity, but his current whereabouts are unknown. The former explorer failed to attend a Royal Geographical Society gala evening celebrating his life in October 2024.He instead appeared in a brief pre-recorded video – and has not been seen in public since. TV star Jeremy has now called his friend the ‘most memorable’ guest on Top Gear, after he appeared on the BBC show in the height of its success. Normally on the show, guests were given a slot lasting eight to 10 minutes, but Sir Ranulph’s interview ran for 17. Sir Ranulph’s wife Louise Millington-Cotes is said to have blocked the King’s attempts to reach out (Picture: PA) Jeremy said the idea of Sir Ranulph in a care home fills him with ‘despair’(Picture: NurPhoto/Shutterstock) Writing in his column for The Times, Jeremy said: ‘I’ve actually known Ran all my adult life. ‘My mum and he became friends when she made a soft toy incarnation of his dog, Bothie. And that’s why I’ve been sad over the last few weeks to learn of his current problems. ‘But there’s more to it than that. A man like that should not be in a bloody care home.’ He continued: ‘The idea of him sitting there doing beetle drives and eating fish fingers fills me with despair. ‘He should be out in the woods, blowing s**t up and roasting a bear over a fire he started using nothing but his own ear lobes.’ The King was reportedly blocked as he tried to check on the wellbeing of Ranulph, after being alerted to concerns about his declining health and isolation. Sir Ranulph has not been seen in public for two years (Picture: David Levenson/Getty Images) Charles was left ‘most concerned’ after the explorer’s wife, Louise Millington-Cotes, reportedly blocked his attempts to reach out, the Telegraph claimed. The publication also reported that one of the facilities where Ranulph lived had raised concerns over his welfare with the authorities and the police. It’s believed the owner wrote to the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG), alerting them of the medical arrangements made by Millington-Cotes. This reportedly included concerns about a ‘do not resuscitate’ document she provided. Deals of the Day Cold mornings are coming and this is the dressing gown I want to live in Most of us aren't getting enough fibre – this easy supplement could change that My honest review of the new UKLash Lash Lift Gel Kurt Geiger's new Notting Hill collection is a love letter to London's chaotic weather Dyson fans are swapping to this Hoover vacuum-mop that washes floors as it cleans The care home owner also raised concerns with the Care Inspectorate of Wales, which declared Sir Ranulph was being unlawfully kept in care homes and unable to consent to his care or treatment. Arrow MORE: Jeremy Clarkson wants to open a new pub but it won’t be easy to get a table Arrow MORE: Jeremy Clarkson reveals bizarre reaction after confronting ‘frantic’ man performing sex act Arrow MORE: Jeremy Clarkson makes bizarre comment about ‘attractive’ Angela Scanlon after new radio job TV Newsletter Sign up and tell us which TV shows you love to watch to get personalised updates every morning.