A glamorous entrepreneur has spoken for the first time over her role in helping Jeremy Clarkson open his Cotswolds pub - and hit back at critics after facing a bitter backlash.
Rachel Hawkins, 40, has told how she believes she and her aunt Sue, who is her business partner, were 'stitched up' during the making of TV hit Clarkson's Farm and cast in the role of 'villains' to boost ratings.
Asked if the Amazon Prime programme had been edited in 'a bad light to make better TV', she said ruefully: 'It seems to be the way doesn't it?'
But giving short measure to her critics and maintaining a stiff upper lip Rachel added: 'It's a shame it was us, but it is what it is - we will keep a smile on our face, and keep our chin up.'
Rachel spoke out after Clarkson's loyal fans were left unimpressed with the efforts of the well-to-do pub transformers who were branded 'snobby' and 'rude' after a series of clashes with the star.
