Jeremy Clarkson and James May stun fans with blunt confession about Top Gear royalties
Jeremy Clarkson and James May have stunned fans after making a surprising revelation about their time on the BBC’s legendary motoring show, Top Gear.
The pair, who along with Richard Hammond formed one of television’s most iconic trios, fronted Top Gear for more than a decade, turning it into one of the most-watched programmes in the world. Known for their explosive chemistry, daring challenges, and irreverent humor, Clarkson, May, and Hammond transformed the once-traditional car show into a global entertainment phenomenon before their dramatic exit in 2015.
Following their departure, the trio reunited for The Grand Tour on Prime Video, continuing their trademark antics on a worldwide scale. However, after years of road trips, crashes, and comedic chaos, they called it a day in 2024 with their final special, aptly titled One For The Road. Since then, all three have pursued new ventures — each reflecting their unique personalities and passions.
James May, now 61, has channeled his curiosity and precision into a range of personal projects. He launched his own James Gin brand, quickly earning a reputation for producing high-quality craft gin with his trademark attention to detail. He’s also returned to live audiences with his Explorers: The Age of Discovery tour, which made a stop at Oxford’s New Theatre last month, where he entertained fans with tales of adventure and innovation.
Meanwhile, Jeremy Clarkson, now 65, has built a completely different empire — swapping race tracks for rural life. His hit Prime Video series Clarkson’s Farm documents his attempts to run Diddly Squat Farm in Oxfordshire, blending humor with genuine insight into British farming. Alongside the farm, Clarkson also manages his country pub, The Farmer’s Dog, both of which have become local landmarks and fan favorites thanks to his trademark wit and stubborn determination.
Despite their new paths, Top Gear continues to live on through reruns on the BBC, regularly pulling in nostalgic viewers eager to relive the show’s golden era. However, it was these very reruns that sparked a wave of surprise on social media recently, after a fan directly questioned the former presenters about whether they still receive royalties from the show.
Posting on X (formerly Twitter), one viewer asked:
“Despite the BBC sacking everyone, I note on BBC3 there are still old Top Gear reruns. I assume you all still get paid for these?”
To the shock of many fans, Jeremy Clarkson himself replied bluntly:
“I don’t.”
The revelation immediately drew attention online — but things escalated further when James May joined the conversation, confirming:
“Me neither.”
The brief yet candid exchange quickly went viral, as viewers expressed disbelief that the men who helped make Top Gear a worldwide phenomenon no longer receive payment for its repeated airings.
Many fans took to the comments to voice their frustration, calling the situation “unfair” and “unbelievable,” given how much the trio had contributed to the show’s enduring popularity. Others praised Clarkson and May for their honesty, noting that their straightforward replies reflected the same unfiltered charm that made Top Gear a cultural landmark in the first place.
Though their Top Gear days are long behind them, the legacy of Clarkson, May, and Hammond clearly continues to resonate — and even their offhand comments still have the power to ignite headlines, stir debate, and remind fans why they were once television’s most unstoppable team.