Clarkson's Farm viewers left in tears after emotional return of iconic character

After a heartbreaking start to the third season, Clarkson's Farm viewers were left in tears at the return of a beloved character this week.

The second part of Jeremy Clarkson's farming show was released on Friday (10 May) and with it, the heartwarming return of a Diddly Squat icon.

Part one of the third season saw the show get off to a rather sombre start.

Starting with the closure of the farm restaurant, Jeremy and Lisa went through turmoil when several of their newborn piglets passed away within hours of being born.

In more upsetting news, Jeremy also found out that beloved farmhand Gerald Cooper had been diagnosed with cancer, with Clarkson ringing around the best people in medicine he knew for advice on how he could help.

As a result of his health, Gerald was absent from the first four episodes of the season, but fans were utterly delighted when he returned for the second instalment.

"Hang on, no way. He's back, Gerald's back. I cannot believe it," Clarkson says, while driving his Land Rover through the estate.

Jeremy had a difficult start to the third season. (Prime Video)

"Hello there Jeremy," Gerald says. "Alright? Lovely to see you my man."

Gerald revealed he had been having radiotherapy to treat his prostate cancer, with 37 sessions already under his belt.

"I haven't got the all clear yet but you know, touch wood," he says.

Viewers admitted they were in tears over Gerald's return.

Writing on a Reddit forum, one person said they 'cried when Gerald turned up'.

"So, so happy. Going through some stuff and Jeremy’s laugh when he saw him filled me with so much joy I just cried," the viewer wrote.

"Also Pepper’s calf! I’m glad the 2nd half of this show was happier. It’s made my day."

Gerald and Jeremy reunited (Prime Video)

Others called it the telly moment of the year, with another person writing on X: "If Gerald's return in Clarkson's Farm isn't the tv moment of the year, then an injustice has been served."

And another agreed, adding: "Jeremy's reaction to seeing Gerald again is one of my TV highlights of the last year...decade...ever."

And a third said: "I don’t think I’ve smiled harder today and it’s my wedding anniversary than when Gerald rocked back up on the farm."

A fourth added: "Just binged the second half of the season. So happy Gerald is back, fit & healthy.

"When he was thanking everyone at the end for being so kind to him & his family I proper filled up."

You can catch all episodes of Clarkson's Farm over on Prime Video now.