Fans flood Jeremy Clarkson with messages of support after emotional statement on Top Gear pal
The Clarkson’s Farm star took to Instagram this evening to reflect on his Top Gear days
07:32, 07 Nov 2025
James May, Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond(Image: PA)
TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson has posted an emotional video paying tribute to his long-time friend, whom he described as “a television genius.”
The Clarkson’s Farm star turned to Instagram yesterday evening to look back on his Top Gear days. The BBC’s hugely popular motoring programme ran from 2002 until 2015, featuring Clarkson alongside Richard Hammond and James May discussing all things automotive.
Reflecting on the show’s early years, Jeremy praised producer Andy Wilman, affectionately known by fans as “the fourth member”, reports the Mirror.
In a heartfelt video, Jeremy appeared visibly moved as he said: “I just want to talk, if I may for a moment, about Top Gear.
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“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.
“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.”
Paying tribute to his colleague, 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 an assistant and build it all up again from scratch and now of course, he’s busy editing the farm show.”
Jeremy Clarkson uploaded a post to Instagram reflecting on his Top Gear days (Image: instagram)
The TV presenter hailed Andy as “a television genius,” whilst promoting his new book, Mr Wilman’s Motoring Adventure.
Jeremy said: “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.”
Andy Wilman himself responded in the comments, writing: “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 wrote: “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.”
The post was flooded with messages of support from Top Gear enthusiasts, lauding the presenter’s contribution to the car-focused series.
One fan commented: “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 admirer penned: “The best show ever! You guys literally created the playbook for the whole automotive storytelling industry.”
