Jeremy Clarkson has opened up about the moment he was told he was “days from death” before undergoing heart surgery.

Jeremy Clarkson was told he was “days from death” (Image: Getty Images)

Jeremy Clarkson has revealed he was “days from death” following a diving incident that went horribly wrong. The former Top Gear host recounted the terrifying experience that led to urgent heart surgery after a holiday dive left his lungs filled with water. The 65-year-old underwent an operation to have two stents inserted after doctors discovered two of his arteries were clogged.

He experienced alarming symptoms such as chest tightness, as well as pins and needles in his left arm, which prompted a rush to the hospital. At Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital, Jeremy received life-saving treatment. Medical professionals informed him he was just “days away” from potential death before the stent procedure was performed to keep his arteries open and ensure proper blood flow to his heart. Stents are wire mesh tubes used to prop open arteries during an angioplasty, a surgical procedure to widen narrowed arteries.

Jeremy underwent surgery in 2024 (Image: Getty)

Despite initial fears of a heart attack, tests including an ECG, blood work, and X-rays ruled this out. In a candid interview with The Sunday Times, Jeremy opened up about the events leading to his surgery.

He reminisced about his Seychelles vacation, saying: “I always try and dive off a boat on every holiday because at my age you never know when your last dive is going to be, or your last anything, for that matter.”

But it was during this dive that he realised something was amiss, confessing: “When I finally reached the beach my lungs were full of water and I realised I can’t do it anymore.”

Upon returning home, he felt even more unwell and decided to visit the hospital. Following his surgery, he was advised to make significant changes to his diet, which included cutting out high-fat and processed foods, as well as exercising to shed some pounds.

Jeremy was advised to make significant changes to his diet (Image: Getty)

The TV presenter has since taken up pickleball as a regular activity and adopted the mono diet. This allows him to consume meats like lamb and beef, but without the sauces he previously enjoyed.

Earlier this year, Jeremy shared an update on his health while filming Who Wants to be a Millionaire?. He discussed his new routines, which have left him feeling better than ever.

The Grand Tour star revealed: “My phone flashed up this morning saying, ‘You are taking far fewer steps this week than last’. I thought, ‘Yeah I would be as I am sitting here.’ It also says you are eating far fewer sausages. I just sit here and eat celery. I am feeling better on it. I do feel very well.”

Jeremy reportedly tried Ozempic but didn’t fare well with it. Instead, he opted to try Mounjaro, which he claims has helped him overcome binge eating.