Kaleb Cooper did not recognise arguably Oxfordshire's most famous resident when he dropped by Diddly Squat Farm.
The Clarkson's Farm star revealed on Capital FM that David Beckham, who has a country home in Great Tew, had popped round to the farm shop, owned by Jeremy Clarkson, where he has previously bought milk.
He said: "He was at the farm and I just walked past, and he was there.
"And Jeremy was like 'come and see David.' And I was like 'David who? ' And [it was] David Beckham."
the 26-year-old, who had rarely left his home town before his debut on Clarkson's Farm in 2021.
Nearly snubbing Becks and other hilarious observations are what's made a media superstar ofNow he has landed his own TV show, a national theatre tour and written two bestselling books - The World According To Kaleb and Britain According to Kaleb: The Wonderful World of Country Life.
In his latest book It's A Farming Thing, he recounts his incredible journey from Chipping Norton to TV fame.
He told the Oxford Mail: “I’ve written two books before, the first one being my take on the big wide – weird – world! And what I love about Britain’s best rural traditions and events.
"This time, I wanted to bring it right back closer to my heart and share my personal story.
"I talk about my own path coming from a family who weren’t farmers, into it becoming my whole life - what made me want to do it, the people who’ve really influenced my life and career.
"Now I’m a dad of two, I’ve got stories of how my kids are also such a big part of farm life, and my thoughts on parenting. I just wanted to write about the things that keep me motivated, that I love doing. I even share my very first recipe in there – it’s a winner.”
Three series in, Clarkson's Farm 3 saw him being promoted to farm manager and taking more control over the success of the farm in challenging conditions.
“This year has been really tough," he said, referring to the almost constant rain.
"We’ve kept each other motivated but there’s no getting around the weather. It controls everything and this year the harvest has been so late.
"But the great thing about farming is, there’s always next year. Hopefully it’ll be better!”
The show covered the turmoil of being refused a restaurant, ruined crops and a bit of friction over a competition with Jeremy to find new income streams.
Now Jeremy has a bit of knowledge, is that a dangerous thing?
“Oh, always!! He thinks he’s got it covered now, so much more often. He still needs to listen to his farm manager.
"In fairness, he has made a load of progress and is a good pig farmer, for example. He does come out with some mad plans though.”
Jeremy's partner Lisa Hogan has already posted images of filming series four on X and though Kaleb could not reveal any spoilers he confirmed production is nearly at an end.
"I can’t give away too much but I’m sure weather will be a big part of the series," he said.
To be honest I’m turning up to farm whether or not the cameras are there, and as long as I can get my job done I’m happy.
"The crew are great so it’s all been going well and we’re near the end now.”
But before the new Clarkson's Farm airs, Kaleb will feature in his own show.
His performance at Cheltenham Everyman Theatre during his national theatre tour The World According to Kaleb will be available on Prime Video from November 29.
He said: “I feel so lucky to have gone on a brilliant theatre tour – and the first farmer to be able to say that!
"I met some amazing people and had such a laugh with everyone who came along."
When he's not busy filming or working he likes to pop into Jeremy's new pub The Farmer's Dog near Burford which he strongly recommends.
“Yeah the pub is great. I was playing darts there at the weekend," he said.
"They’ve got some good food, good drinks, good atmosphere. I think Jeremy’s done a brilliant thing and especially with making it so welcoming to farmers.
"It’s so important for farmers to give each other moral support. We all need to talk more in the bad times and laugh more together in the good times.”
His own farming contracting business is also booming and he has taken on extra staff - his three-year-old son Oscar.
“We are really busy! I’ve got a good tight-knit team who work on my contracting business and things have been full on." he said.
"We’re doing long hours, but business is good. We all love nothing more than sitting in that tractor cab, muck spreading or drilling.
"And Oscar is a proper little feral farm kid. He loves helping out and was with me at the weekend collecting eggs and helping move the chickens about.
"He also becomes one of the team in the morning when we have our meeting and has his drink with our round of teas.
"That’s one of the best things about farming, the whole family can get stuck in and really enjoy it.”
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