Yes, I know, I was going to talk about The Best Holiday Ever™, but instead I want to talk about something else. It’s important that I talk about it today, all will be revealed.
The day was Monday, I was descending into Post Holiday Depression, when a guy from one of the other offices. The company associated with them does fire safety checks, as well as a bit of pyrotechnics. He announced that he had 3 spare tickets to the recording of Top Gear on Wednesday in Guildford, which is in Surrey, and wanted to know if we fancied it.
After about half an hour of restructuring our lives, we said yes.
For those of you who don’t know. Top Gear is the BBC’s most successful program, it’s about cars, but it’s light entertainment too. It’s watched by around 1 billion people worldwide, and last week’s first episode drew 6 and a half million Brits, making it the most watched show that week. To quote Ron Burgandy - it’s kind of a big deal.
Anyway, for those who are familiar with the show, prepare to have your illusions shattered: it’s scarily well prepared, with every gag maticulously planned. You really should go and see it live if you think the chemistry between them is fake though, it’s not, they genuinely cock about and have a laugh, and I think every single bloke on this planet would secretly give their right testicle to be a top gear presenter.
Anyway, after about an hour or so filming (including the star in the resonably priced car - who was Jools Holland. God he’s short), we had a break, so it was an opportunity to take photos. Here’s three of my favourites:
A few years ago on Top Gear, they made the observation that the Toyota Hilux can never be destroyed. They tried, but they couldn’t. I got a photo with the remnants of the (still working) machine.
In this photo is one of the presenters (and who most normal women consider to be more desirable), Richard Hammond. He was the one that nearly died a year ago and is such a nice guy. Even after my camera didn’t work, he made a laugh and joke about it. He stayed after recording to sign autographs and take photos. He is even shorter than he looks on the telly.
And finally, here a photo with two men. One of the men is a talented man that makes Han moist when thinking about him, and who she regularly fantisies about during sex, and would give her little toe to share an evening’s passion with. Also in the picture is James May.
All in all, it was an amazing experience, and I’m surprised how professional it all is, it does come accross as three guys having a laugh, but it’s more well planned than SAS Missions. That doesn’t mean that it’s serious until the cameras roll, it’s fascinating how it is all filmed and recorded, and off camera it’s like being on camera, except for the odd “fuck” or “bollocks”.
So, when will it air? Well, it is going to air this coming Sunday at 8pm in the UK. Will you see me on camera? I doubt it. I was usually on the side with the cameras, as it was easier to get to the front (I did shout “hot!” after Jools Holland’s lap, see if you can hear me ;)). You may see me at one point too: after the News, Jeremy Clarkson walks to the Toyboata (a Toyota Hilux converted into a speedboat), you may see me in passing.
But don’t watch it for me, it’s a very good episode this week. I should know, I’ve seen it all.
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Rhys Wynne, the author of this blog, is a 20 something web designer from Colwyn Bay.
In Australia I think they may have just started airing the 9th Season *rolls eyes* - pfft. Thank god for torrents!
Top Gear is by far one of my favourite shows. Love it love it love it. And yes, I would so give my right testicle to be a Top Gear presenter.
Yeah I can imagine it would be very well organised, and the jokes well scripted… British comedy is all about timing.
Dammit, I have to wait until Monday night before I can download it! Can’t wait, can’t wait.
that looks ace. I would love to go and watch Top Gear
Jammy git!
So, who’s the Stig?
I could tell you, but I’d have to kill you.
I believe that the Stig is one Ben Collins, but I’m prepared to be proved wrong….
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I think the Stig has actually been a few different drivers. I once read that it had been Colin McRae at one stage, amongst other high-end racing drivers.
I watched the pan through after the news a few times Rhys, if you were standing next to some chick with deep red hair, then I saw you! If not… well, you weren’t on it.
Couldn’t hear you shout either.
Good episode though… I just hate it when the episode ends… it’s like… but I want moooooooore…
I think the Stig has actually been a few different drivers. I once read that it had been Colin McRae (RIP) at one stage, amongst other high-end racing drivers.
I watched the pan through after the news a few times Rhys, if you were standing next to some chick with deep red hair, then I saw you! If not… well, you weren’t on it.
Couldn’t hear you shout either.
Good episode though… I just hate it when the episode ends… it’s like… but I want moooooooore…
Yes, rest in peace Colin McRae
How cool I am totally jealous.
Now I just wish the hamster would cut his hair so I can go back to liking him.
I really am jealous, I’d love to go along to that…!!!!
Why-o-why is the Hamster growing his hair out like James May? That is just….wrong.
He’s still lovely though
Was Jeremy a lot taller than he looks on TV then if Richard’s smaller?? They must be like giant and mouse next to each other!!
Jeremy wasn’t that tall in my eyes. I’m 6′2″, and - whilst taller than me - he wasn’t scarily imposing.
But Hammond is tiny!
couple of points:
6.5 million = most watched show on the BBC? Doubtful…
6 foot 2?? Im 6″1′… no way are you taller than me
I have to question the 6′2″ as well… i would of put you nearer 6ft… unless you’ve started growing recently
looks like an awesome day out - v jealous!
I’ve got really bad posture, so I am usually hunched over a computer or what have you. But if I stand up straight, I’m around 6′1 and a half. So round it up to 6′2″
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I second Chris Lodge: Jammy git!
Jeremy Clarkson is my hero *heart*… Though I knew TG was scripted - that’s why Jeremy found it so amusing when they won an Emmy in the States for “best unscripted programme” or whatever it was!
Shit, Richard is really tiny
I’m actually a fan of Top Gear!
[...] come across plenty of blogs lately that has both “Subscribe to comments” AND “Notify me of followup [...]
Wow that is awesome that you got free tickets. I wish I could have gone.
Cool man, I always watch top gear in my country paid channel. You really lucky, can go there live. I wish one day I can go there too, if I have free ticket.
What country are you from Louiss?
[...] of the highlights of my year was going on a whim to see the TV show Top Gear being filmed, one thing which I did say (and this was before it was shown in the UK) was [...]
[...] must say that I am quite jealous that my namesake from Wales has watched Top Gear on set. I even saw him (well, after an eagle-eyed search) in the audience! [...]