And On That Bombshell

More about the book

For 13 years, I served as the script editor for Top Gear, overseeing all 22 series. My role involved checking spelling and crafting silly gags about The Stig, while enjoying the company of Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May. It was a surreal experience that felt more like fun than work. From the chaotic pilot in 2002 to the show's abrupt conclusion in 2015, my time on Top Gear was a wild journey. We traveled the globe, built space ships, and traversed busy shipping lanes in a pick-up truck. Along the way, we faced an angry mob, stirred controversy in the press, and even had a close call with one of our presenters' safety. I realized I had numerous behind-the-scenes stories to share, recalling the absurd decision to adopt a dog and the ridiculous decoration of our dismal office. I vividly remembered a threatening encounter with a Bolivian drug lord. Inspired, I decided to document these tales. I hope you enjoy them. To quote James May: 'Richard Porter has asked me to "write a quote" for his new book about the ancient history of Top Gear. But this is a ridiculous request... Porter, like Athens, has lost his marbles.'