Jeremy Clarkson has shared an emotional video in honour of his longtime pal
Paige Ingram Multimedia Journalist and Dan Laurie Deputy Editor of Screen Time
08:44, 07 Nov 2025
Jeremy Clarkson shared an emotional video in honour of his longtime pal Andy Wilman(Image: NurPhoto, NurPhoto via Getty Images)
TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson has posted a heartfelt video tribute to his long-time friend, whom he described as “a television genius.”
The Clarkson’s Farm star turned to Instagram to look back on his Top Gear years. The BBC’s hugely successful motoring programme ran from 2002 to 2015, featuring Clarkson alongside Richard Hammond and James May exploring the world of cars.
Reflecting on the show’s origins, Jeremy paid homage to producer Andy Wilman, affectionately known by fans as “the fourth member.”
In the touching video, Jeremy appeared visibly moved as he said: “I just want to talk, if I may for a moment, about Top Gear.
“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.”, reports the Mirror.
In the touching video, Jeremy appeared visibly moved (Image: instagram)READ MORE: Jeremy Clarkson and Kaleb Cooper address ‘horrible’ time on farm after finding ‘half an ear’READ MORE: Jeremy Clarkson makes big decision as ‘co-star’ becomes hit with viewers
He went on: “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.”
Praising 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 oen assistant and build it all up again from scratch and now of course, he’s busy editing the farm show.”
The Clarkson’s Farm star turned to Instagram to look back on his Top Gear years(Image: PA)
The TV star praised Andy as “a television genius”, whilst promoting 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.
Andy himself responded 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.”
Jeremy called Andy “a television genius”(Image: Wiki)
This post was equally flooded with praise from Top Gear enthusiasts who commended the presenter for his contributions to the motoring programme. One viewer 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 added: “The best show ever! You guys literally created the playbook for the whole automotive storytelling industry.”
