It was about 5 years ago. Since then it's been almost ruined by the presenters and the lazy writing. It'll do great if they change the predictable format.
Have to agree - given there was a team of professional writers penning the 'ad lib' genius of it, it was shocking. I don't mind Chris Evans, and he has proper full fat car pedigree. I always thought Jason Plato was good value on 5th Gear, and the guy can drive a bit. Like Des Lyman, the fat brummie and the Irish totty and a good few others - leaving the Beeb can be suicide career wise. If you want context for Clarkson and how much of a boor he turned in to - watch how wooden he was on any of the early 90's Top Gears on youtube.
He took over one of the most loved and revered morning breakfast radio shows from old Tezza. Everyone said it was going to be a disaster, can't replace a legend etc. etc. - made it a success and audience ratings are at record levels. He has his own style and views. I'd put money on it working - maybe not straight away but if they give him enough time it will work.
A few clues on TFI last week! The jokes with Grimmy about presenting shows was a red herring for them both making announcements today! Suzi Perry in the audience... I hope that's not a clue, she's a little too scripty and unnatural on BBC F1 for my liking. Plato was on TFI too... hasn't he done a stint as the Stig? I think he'd be a good addition and probably a tyre smoker! Guy Martin is probably a bit ADHD for presenting! Kidd, no. JK no. There was the Sue Perkins rumour doing the rounds... I think she could co-anchor with Evans
Bring back Tiff. Vicky as voice overs, there is somthing about her voice that does it for me. I reckon Will from tfi crops up in it. Moyra Stewart too somewhere. Some say chris Evans is talentless but he has a habit off making money outa things and he has calmed down a lot compared to his younger days.
the last "original" top gear episode which is made up of the bits they had filmed before the fracas is due to be broadcast 28/6 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-33153633
Blimey, listened to Chris Evans explaining how and why he took the job on the radio today. I have to say my main thought was that its only a flipping tv prog for goodness sake, you shouldn't have to go to such lengths to justify yourself and appease the weirdos who may twitter death threats as their lives have been ruined by JC being sacked. IMHO
It'll be a different type of problem though- Where they were trying to stop Clarkson punching folk, they'll be trying to stop Guy wandering off or jumping off stuff and hurting himself
Agree it was a bit long winded....I think Chris Evans, Plato and someone to balance them would be good. They could rejuvenate the format with including a broader range of cars...why not trucks, motorbikes etc? Maybe something where they take older Motorsport cars and do something with them...a comparison between the Blower Bentleys and their competition....a look back at Hesketh Racing and all the great drivers and riders, all the garden shed geniuses of engineering that conquered the world... The format of three late white middle aged men mocking everything they don't understand and generally being dicks got boring very quickly.
TFI last Friday.... some slight hints there methinks re Plato and Suzy and now over to our tame TT rider..... some say , he dodges soap and whacks one out in the back of his Tranny van on a nightly basis. We just know him as "the Guy"!