The third season of The Grand Tour show is already delighting fans of Clarkson and the company. The trio of hosts have long been celebrities, and much has been written about their personal lives.
However, there are details that are not known to everyone. Here are the most interesting and little-known facts from Jeremy Clarkson’s life presented to your attention.
What Do Jeremy Clarkson and Paddington Bear Have in Common?
Very few know that the popular Paddington Bear appeared thanks to Jeremy’s mother.
She designed the stuffed toy and gave the first samples to Clarkson and his sister for Christmas.
Clarkson Was Expelled from School
In his youth, Jeremy was a difficult teenager and suffered from bullying by classmates. He was then expelled from school for drinking, smoking, and constant disciplinary violations. By the way, producer of Top Gear Andy Wilman also graduated from this school. However, he and Clarkson only met at a school reunion in 2001, after which Jeremy was invited to become a host.
Clarkson Took His Driving Test in an Exclusive Bentley
Yes, even in his youth, Jeremy Clarkson knew his cars. He took his driving test behind the wheel of his grandfather’s Bentley R-Type. He passed right away, but a couple of days later, he got into his first accident – driving his parents’ Audi off the road into a field.
Clarkson is a Musician
And not just a musician, but a drummer. The TV presenter plays drums quite well and even formed the TopGear Band with his colleagues.
Clarkson Turned Down a Job Offer from the Russian Defense Ministry
After scandalously leaving Top Gear, Jeremy Clarkson received numerous job offers. One came from the Russian channel “Zvezda” (owned by the Russian Ministry of Defense). Fortunately, the Brit refused.
He is a Writer
Well, it’s not exactly a secret, Jeremy Clarkson’s books can be found even here. Both in original and translated.
There are about a dozen of them, actually.
He Loves Volvo
As they say, it’s not all about supercars. Jeremy actually values safety and has praised the Volvo XC90 crossover several times.
He Was Nominated for Prime Minister
No, it’s not a joke! A whole 28,000 Brits signed a petition for Clarkson to become the head of the government.
By the way, he is a staunch opponent of Brexit.
He Doesn’t Watch Top Gear
The new Top Gear is not for him. Jeremy once admitted that he can no longer watch a show that he considers his brainchild. Clarkson is one of the authors of the modern format of the Top Gear show, and The Stig was entirely his idea.
Clarkson is a Glutton
Jeremy eats like he’s starved.
This can even be seen in the Ukrainian Top Gear episode. A hungry Clarkson is an angry Clarkson. In fact, a lack of food was the reason for the scandal after which he was kicked off Top Gear.
His Favorite Country is France
The TV journalist has loved France ever since he visited it at the age of 19.
Clarkson Kills Cars
It’s no secret that test cars are sold at a discount.
One Brit fell for this and decided to buy a BMW M3, which Jeremy Clarkson had previously tested. Within a month, it became clear that the car was beaten up and had to be repaired. And this case was not unique.