Richard Hammond moves on after split from wife of 23 years, confirms new relationship

Richard Hammond has publicly acknowledged having a new girlfriend for the first time since his divorce from wife Mindy, after the former Top Gear star’s 28-year relationship came to an end

Richard Hammond has confirmed he is in a new relationship following the end of his marriage to Mindy after nearly three decades together.

The television presenter appeared to mention his girlfriend while discussing his domestic routine in a recent interview, providing insight into how his life has evolved since news of his divorce emerged last year.

Writing about his typical evenings in a column for The Telegraph, the former Top Gear host explained: “I tend to eat relatively early. Sometimes it’s just me; sometimes I’m with my girlfriend; sometimes friends are still around. I’m perfectly happy with a quiet evening watching television.”

This represents the first time Richard has openly confirmed being in a relationship since his marriage ended.

The previous year proved particularly difficult for the motoring presenter. His father, Alan, passed away in February, while he and Mindy announced the end of their marriage in January, reports the Mirror.

The pair had shared 28 years together, including 23 years as husband and wife.

When making the announcement, they emphasised that no third party was involved in their separation and affirmed their ongoing commitment to their family.

In a joint statement, they said: “Our marriage is coming to an end, but we’ve had an amazing 28 years together and two incredible daughters… We will always be in each other’s lives and are proud of the family we created.”

The father-of-two subsequently discussed the separation during the opening episode of the latest series of Richard Hammond’s Workshop, offering frank reflections on adapting to his changed living situation.

“Let’s get something out of the way straight away,” he told viewers. “There has been a slight change in my circumstances recently. I got divorced. Which means I now live here.”

Speaking about his new residence, Richard continued: “I like it. It’s got amazing views, a place to keep some of my cars and bikes and best of all it’s closer to the workshop. I’m trying to put a silver lining on this. It’s been a tough few years, but it’s not all bad.”

When the couple initially revealed their separation, they released a statement on social media clarifying their ongoing commitment to family despite the altered dynamic.

“A little update from us; this Christmas we were together as a family, and this year we will still be a family but just structured a bit differently,” they explained.

“Our marriage is coming to an end, but we’ve had an amazing 28 years together and two incredible daughters. We will always be in each other’s lives and are proud of the family we created.

“We won’t be commenting further and sincerely hope that our privacy and that of our children will be respected at this time. With love, Richard and Mindy.”

The 56-year-old presenter remains among Britain’s most familiar faces in motoring broadcasting. Originally from Solihull and raised in Yorkshire, his career began in local radio before he rose to prominence working with Jeremy Clarkson and James May on the phenomenally popular motoring programme Top Gear, and subsequently The Grand Tour.

Beyond his television work, he maintains his automotive restoration business The Smallest Cog while pursuing ventures connected to his enduring fascination with engineering. Discussing his television preferences with The Telegraph, Richard mentioned his recent appreciation for the series Landman, commenting: “I loved Landman recently, that old-school, character-led storytelling really appeals to me.”

He further expressed his passion for engineering-focused programming, stating: “I have a soft spot for documentaries about engineering. I’d love to see more programmes about humans as engineers, about the thing itself rather than the presenter. I’m old school like that. I like standing next to something remarkable and explaining why it’s remarkable.”

Richard has settled in the Welsh countryside, where he has adopted a more tranquil way of life while remaining active in television and digital media ventures.