Jeremy Clarkson has issued a statement in memory of his longtime pal Andy Wilman, who was affectionally known by Top Gear fans as “the fourth member”
Television presenter Jeremy Clarkson has posted a heartfelt video tribute to his long-standing friend, whom he described as “a television genius.”
The Clarkson’s Farm host turned to Instagram this evening to reminisce about his Top Gear era.
The BBC’s popular motoring programme graced our screens from 2002 to 2015, featuring Clarkson alongside Richard Hammond and James May exploring the world of automobiles.
Looking back at the programme’s origins, Jeremy honoured producer Andy Wilman, affectionately known by viewers as “the fourth member.”
In a touching video, Jeremy seemed to be fighting back emotion 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.
The presenter 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.”
Paying respect to his colleague, Jeremy remarked: “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 fracas 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 television personality hailed Andy as “a television genius,” whilst promoting the presenter’s latest publication entitled Mr Wilman’s Motoring Adventure.
Jeremy revealed: “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 section, 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 added: “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 for his contribution to the motoring show. 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.”
