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IT HAD BEEN five years since Ben Collins donned the white suit that made him famous, but at a recent Top Gear live show in Belfast he did just that.
He hadn’t seen Jeremy Clarkson since the former host had some choice words for him after he was revealed as The Stig in 2010 – following a legal battle with the BBC over his autobiography The Man In The White Suit.
Top Gear has been in the spotlight for the wrong reasons of late – with the BBC choosing to not renew Clarkson’s contract in March after an his “fracas” with producer Oisín Tymon.
Collins, who now works as a stunt driver in films such as the James Bond franchise, described the incident as “sad” but – alluding to a rumoured deal between Clarkson and his co-hosts Richard Hammond and James May with Netflix – added: “We might end up with two really cool car shows.”
Reports have been circulating that Hammond and May have turned down a multimillion pound deal from the BBC to stay on Top Gear without Clarkson.
So, how did Collins and Clarkson get on when they met recently?
Radio presenter Chris Evans confirmed he is in talks with BBC bosses to take over the show after telling Channel 4′s Sunday Brunch he’s “doing a Top Gear sequence with an independent production company”, adding: “We’re going to see how it goes.”
His comments were quickly picked up on by Clarkson and co – who wasted no time in poking fun at him on Twitter:
Collins thinks the show can go on without the famous trio, saying it “could start from scratch with a new format”.
So, does he think Evans has what it takes to be the host?
For the record, Collins says he can’t wear the helmet anymore – in case he gets in trouble with the BBC.
Video: Michelle Hennessy/Órla Ryan
Collins was in Dublin to launch the Coors Light Great Rocky Mountain Game. More information on the game can be found here.
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Did Chris Evans not publicly rule himself out of doing Top Gear a few weeks ago?
Money.
That’ll rule whoever takes it up – including hammond and may.
I think he did, which is why Evans said it was an independant company making the pilot. I was watching Sunday Brunch when he said it and both presenters were near dumbfounded when Evans made the announcement, and Evans had to reel it in.
Personally, I’d prefer the original 3, but I wouldnt be unhappy with Chris Evans, he knows his cars and he’s unpredictable, and after all they are bringing back TFI..for a reason
I just have never taken to Chris Evans. Don’t know what it is but I can’t watch anything with him in it. I never got the attraction with him.
I guess its just a personal thing then.
I have to say though he does have a huge interest in cars, he always did. So from a TG point of view maybe…although like I said previously I would prefer the original 3.
I do like Evans, he always comes up with something fresh, if Toothbrush had included Ireland, the man would have been sainted.
Why is the journal not speaking about more important iissues instead of this tripe “
IT Syria
This so called revolution in Syria was planed well in advance beginning with Syria’s refusal to allow a gas pipeline from Qatar to cross its territory , and its decision in favour of an Iranian pipeline.
May be of interest. This was two years before the crises in Syria : In an interview with the French TV station LCP, former French foreign minister openly admitted that British agents had asked him for assistance to stir up trouble in Syria.
France’s Former Foreign Minister: UK Government Prepared War in Syria Two Years Before 2011 Protests.
Maybe you should address your concerns on an article that is about your concerns.
I dont mean to be rude; but we were talking about a car show.
Should be in a special teenage section
The BBC are airing one last episode of Top Gear featuring Clarkson, Hammond and May. The fact that they are still willing to cash on Clarkson’s popularity despite firing him shows their lack of integrity.
Top Gear as it stood was a horrible horrible show. 3 overpaid “actors” bigging up their ego’s in cars that 99.99% of the viewers could never afford to buy. The show needed to be brought down to earth and to review cars that most of its viewers could afford, but with some exotica that are the wet dream of car enthusiasts. Not the other way around. I stopped watching years ago because of the POWAH!!!!!
Chill man…it was a show to enjoy and millions of us did. If you don’t like it don’t watch it, there’s a whole variety of car programmes on Discovery channels, go watch those
Alan i own a Lancia Delta Integrale a car that a whole show was dedicated to & my last 3 cars i bought because of top gear. i am far from rich & im also a mechanic. its also an extremely entertaining show.
I hope Clarksons 2 minions are doing the right thing!
If Clarkson had kept his temper and his boxing gloves in check no one would be talking about this. I like the show but for that clown to do that, I wouldn’t want to see him on air again. God knows what else he done before but has not been reported. Remember if he didn’t assault the man, the verbal abuse would have been swept under the carpet. Clarkson’s ego ruined it for everyone.
“alan duffy….
The rival “fifth gear ” features more affordable everyman cars but as you might expect is all the more dull as a result. The shows only saving grace is the multiple close quarter profiles of posh totty Vicky Butler Henderson’s ample arse.
have your say