For over a decade, Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May captivated audiences as the faces ofTop Gear, transforming a simple motoring show into a global phenomenon.
At its peak,Top Gearcommanded an astonishing 350 million viewers worldwide, becoming the most-watched factual television program on Earth. The chemistry between the three presenters was undeniable, a key ingredient in its unprecedented success.
Behind the scenes, however, a quiet battle was brewing. A BBC executive reportedly questioned the show’s demographic, suggesting a change to the on-screen lineup. The concern? The hosts were deemed “too middle-aged and white.”
Andy Wilman, the show’s co-creator and series producer, recounts a particularly jarring meeting in his new book. He was informed thatTop Gearwas attracting a younger, more diverse audience – young Black and Asian viewers – and presented with a solution: replace one of the existing hosts.
Wilman challenged the logic, asking if it wasn’t patronizing to assume this new audience wanted something different than what they were already actively choosing to watch. He pointed out the inherent contradiction of altering a successful formula based on perceived representation.
He recalls skillfully framing his argument, managing to connect the concepts of patronization and ethnic diversity in a single, pointed sentence – a move he recognized as a decisive turning point in the conversation.
The initial formation of the iconic trio wasn’t immediate. James May was initially dismissed, and Richard Hammond’s audition was deemed lackluster. It was Hammond’s spontaneous, hilarious outburst and May’s ability to provide balance that ultimately secured their places alongside Clarkson.
Their collaborative spirit also birthed the popular “Star in a Reasonably Priced Car” segment, a feature that became a cornerstone of the show’s appeal. The three presenters, friends since their school days, had stumbled upon a winning formula.
The partnership eventually fractured in 2015 following an incident involving Jeremy Clarkson and a producer, bringing an end to their 13-year run onTop Gear.
However, the trio quickly reunited, launchingThe Grand Touron Amazon, continuing their motoring adventures for another eight years. Their on-screen chemistry remained as potent as ever.
Today, Jeremy Clarkson continues to entertain audiences withClarkson’s Farm, a program that recently earned the National Television Award for Factual Entertainment, proving his enduring appeal.
