Former Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson was visibly emotional as he issued a touching tribute to an “incredible” man as he reflected on his Top Gear days with producer Andy Wilman
TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson has shared an emotional video in honour of his longtime pal he branded “a television genius.”
The Clarkson’s Farm star took to Instagram this evening to reflect on his Top Gear days. The BBC’s hit motoring series Top Gear on our screens from 2002 until 2015, and saw Clarkson alongside Richard Hammond and James May discuss all things cars.
Recounting the early days, Jeremy paid tribute to the producer Andy Wilman, who is lovingly dubbed by fans as “the fourth member.” In an emotional video Jeremy appeared to be holding back the tears as he shared: “I just want to talk, if I may for a moment, about Top Gear.
READ MORE: Waterloo Road star reveals dad has taken his own life in heartbreaking post
READ MORE: The Wanted’s Siva opens up on new fears in wake of tragic pal Tom Parker’s death
“It started out as a regional programme about cars and became, in quite short order, the most successful, most watched show in the world, every week, 350 million people tuned in.” The star continued: “You talk to people today in their 20s and 30s who describe it as the sort of Sunday night wallpaper of their childhood, a very important show, actually, it really was.”
Honouring his pal, Jeremy said: “The man responsible for it is an incredible success, a man called Andy Wilman, he was there right at the beginning when he had to pay audience members out of his own pocket a fiver to stay to the bitter end because they were so bored.
“He was there when we ended it in Zimbabwe, he was the producer, he was the editor, he had to deal with James, Richard and I.
“He had to deal with Ofcom, he had to deal with the BBC, he just ran the whole thing and then of course he was there when the frakka happened and then he had to start all over again in a broom cupboard with oen assistant and build it all up again from scratch and now of course, he’s busy editing the farm show.”
The TV star praised Andy as “a television genius,” as he plugged the presenter’s new book called Mr Wilman’s Motoring Adventure. Jeremy shared: “It’s a fantastic book, it really is, I’m just overflowing with joy that he’s put it all on paper. So here’s a suggestion: after you’ve read my new book, The Farmer’s Dog, do get this. It really is worth your while.”
The man himself, Andy Wilman, replied in the comments saying: “I do NOT deserve that much praise, (mind you I’ll take a bit of it.)You were the one responsible for making that show a success and everyone who worked on it will say the same. That aside, we are entering the Yuletide gifting period, and the book is available in all good bookshops.”
Strictly’s Thomas Skinner commented: “I love you Mr. Clarkson and I love you Mr. Wilman. You are absolute legends that made my Sunday evenings the absolute governor when I was younger. I love cars because of Top Gear. I’ve bought cars because of what I’ve seen on TopGear. Best TV show of all time in my opinion. Bosh.”
This post was also inundated with support from Top Gear fans who praised the presenter for his work on the motoring series. One wrote: “It was three blokes doing what blokes do. We all felt like we knew you and were all apart of your circle. Thank you for the memories!!!!”
Another fan wrote: “The best show ever! You guys literally created the playbook for the whole automotive storytelling industry.”
Source: Mirror
Leave a Reply