Clarkson 'hurt' by Stig's actions

BY MATT CAMPBELL

Jeremy Clarkson says he's been "hurt" by the actions of Top Gear UK's formerly secret driver, Ben Collins, who was unmasked as The Stig last week.

Little known British online television channel Witney TV was the first media outlet to get an official response from Clarkson, and in a surprisingly frank and emotional interview Clarkson confirmed that Collins has been axed by Top Gear.

"Put it this way, he's history as far as we're concerned; he's sacked." Clarkson says.

Clarkson says while The Stig's replacement is not yet known, he's confident that someone else will don the helmet and racing suit - no matter what colour it is.

"Richard [Hammond] can't drive, James [May] is too slow," Clarkson says. "We'll get somebody, don't you worry. Top Gear is damaged but not out."

But whether or not the show's replacement character will be called "The Stig" is not yet clear. No matter what invention the lads at Top Gear come up with, Clarkson says there is plenty of interest to fill Collins' racing shoes.

"Trust me, we have many, many thousands of people queuing up to be whatever it is we create," Clarkson says. "I've spent the last three weeks doing nothing but trying to work out what to do instead.

"It was a shock," Clarkson says of the move from Collins to secure a book deal without the knowledge of the Top Gear team. "It was horrible, actually. I liked him. He came around to my house, and had drinks, and all that time he was writing the book."

The interview shows Clarkson looking clearly rattled by the events of the past few weeks, a long way from the confident, cocky persona he portrays on the Top Gear television series. And he admits Collins' actions have taken their toll.

"I feel a bit hurt, really," he says.

Collins worked on the BBC television series as The Stig for seven years.

British newspaper the Daily Mail's website reports there is a chance that Collins will get his own television series that will compete directly against Top Gear - though it's not going to be on the BBC, as Collins has had his contract terminated following the unmasking fiasco.

For those curious about the name "Stig", the Daily Mail reports the name came from Clarkson and his former schoolmate Andy Wilman, Top Gear's producer, and is a schoolyard nickname given to all new boys.

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