Kaleb Cooper has playfully suggested that Lisa Hogan proved herself superior to Jeremy Clarkson when it came to farm work during the presenter's recovery from cancer surgery.
The farm manager made the light-hearted jab in the latest series of Clarkson's Farm, where the former Top Gear host disclosed his diagnosis with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that was fortunately detected at an early stage.
When asked to explain why he preferred Ms Hogan's assistance over Mr Clarkson's for unloading a combine harvester, Mr Cooper told the 66-year-old bluntly: "Because she's better at it than you, to be honest."
The Irish actress, who hails from Dublin's upmarket Sandymount area, took charge of operations at the Oxfordshire farm while her partner underwent treatment.
Kaleb Cooper stars alongside Jeremy Clarkson on Clarkson's Farm | INSTAGRAM/KALEB COOPERDuring Mr Clarkson's time away from the farm, Ms Hogan threw herself into the daily operations with enthusiasm.
She was captured on camera operating a grain cart during the barley harvest, supervising vaccinations for the sheep, and tending to the animals.
When Mr Clarkson returned in time for the durum wheat harvest, he noted that his partner had enjoyed driving so much that she "nicked one of Kaleb's tractors" to continue working alongside Mr Cooper.
Working together as a trio, Ms Hogan declared: "We are the A-team."
Jeremy Clarkson revealed he has cancer on the latest episode of Clarkson's Farm | PRIME VIDEOMr Cooper responded with characteristic wit, adding: "Jeremy coming back, we're now the B-team."
The fan-favourite farm manager guided Ms Hogan through various tasks during the series finale, with the actress demonstrating a natural aptitude for agricultural work that clearly impressed her young mentor.
Despite the teasing at his friend's expense, Mr Cooper revealed a more sentimental side when reflecting on Mr Clarkson's absence from the farm.
He said: "Lisa's doing amazing, don't get me wrong, but I'm missing Jeremy's voice over the radio."
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Kaleb Cooper with Jeremy at Diddly Squat | AMAZONThe young farmer added: "It's going to sound really soppy and everything. I don't miss his skill, I miss him as a friend being here, doing it together. This is our thing."
The pair shared an emotional embrace when Mr Clarkson made his return, with Cooper enquiring about his wellbeing and how the procedure had gone.
Mr Clarkson reported feeling "strong" following his operation but acknowledged uncertainty remained about the outcome.
He explained: "I won't know whether it's worked or not until November probably. The prostate, 10 per cent of it's dead, the 10 per cent where the cancer is."
Jeremy Clarkson and Kaleb Cooper have starred in every Clarkson's Farm episode | AMAZONThe season finale concluded with Mr Clarkson speaking from a hospital bed, having experienced complications during his treatment.
He reflected: "We started season five with me in a hospital bed and here we are at the end of season five and I'm back in a hospital bed."
The presenter offered a candid assessment of what lies ahead for the popular Amazon Prime series.
Mr Clarkson said: "What I wanted to say was if this is all successful, I'll see you for season six, and if it isn't, I won't. Take care, everyone."
The programme, which chronicles the challenges of running his farm near Chipping Norton, has transformed Clarkson into a prominent advocate for British farmers since he began working the land in 2019.
A sixth series is scheduled for release in 2027.