Back in the day, lengthy earlier than there have been stars in moderately priced vehicles and presenters punching crew members, there was an inoffensive motoring present on the BBC known as Top Gear.
Little did they know that three unfashionably dressed presenters (together with two of their very own) would finally change into world superstars.
But what occurred to the many names that hosted Top Gear earlier than Jeremy Clarkson, James May, and Richard Hammond’s 2002 revamp?
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Below is an inventory of presenters who’ve appeared on the present because it first aired again in 1977, though you may recognise a number of of the names from different well-known exhibits.
Angela Rippon (1977 to 1979)
The TV presenter was on the very first episode of Top Gear, which aired in 1977
(Image: Rick Weston)
The Queen of Top Gear hosted the very first version on BBC Midlands again in April 1977, the place she drove from Shepherd’s Bush to the Pebble Mill studios in Birmingham whereas noting driving situations.
The former newsreader has remained a staple of British TV ever since, internet hosting many exhibits, together with Come Dancing and Cash in the Attic.
She additionally took half in Dancing on Ice in 2010.
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Noel Edmunds (1979 to 1980)
Noel as soon as examined a Ford GT as a result of Jeremy Clarkson was too large for the cockpit
(Image: BBC)
Is there any UK TV present that hasn’t featured Noel Edmond’s in some unspecified time in the future?
He returned for an episode in the Nineties to check the Ford GT40 supercar as Clarkson was too large for the cockpit.
Noel grew to become an enormous star in the ’90s because of scores hit Noel’s House Party.
After years in the wilderness, he returned in 2005 with Deal Or No Deal.
Julia Bradbury (1998 to 1999)
Julia appeared on the motoring present in the late ’90s
(Image: BBC)
Julia has hosted just about each nature-themed BBC present there’s, so it’d shock you to study that she was a Top Gear presenter in the late-Nineties.
By the mid-2000s, she grew to become a family title because of exhibits reminiscent of Watchdog, Countryfile and ITV’s Best Walks with a View.
Quentin Willson (1991 to 2001)
The former host was on Strictly Come Dancing in 2004
(Image: Bexi81)
He departed the BBC to entrance Channel 5’s rival present Fifth Gear in 2002.
When Top Gear was relaunched, Willson mentioned of Clarkson: “It’s a praise that the BBC are so afraid of shedding scores to us, they’ve lured my previous co-host out of semi-retirement.”
He additionally boasted the lowest rating ever on Strictly (8!) and hosted The Classic Car Show with Jodie Kidd on Channel 5 in 2015.
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Sue Baker (1980 to 1991)
Not to be confused with the Wimbledon Today presenter Sue Barker.
This Sue was a daily reporter on the present in the early Eighties.
She just lately mentioned of Top Gear: “No, I’m not jealous of Jeremy Clarkson, Mr Testosterone-off-the-scale.
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“Times transfer on, and it is a completely different programme now.
“What does trouble me, although, is {that a} Last of the Summer Wine trio of blokes is what TV serves up as the lone on-screen motoring programme.”
William Woollard (1981 to 1991)
William was on Top Gear for over a decade
(Image: Phil Campbell)
William was Mr Top Gear for a decade till he left to supply a whole lot of science and expertise documentaries.
He was additionally accountable for ‘Woollarding’, the basic automobile presenter pose of getting one foot on the automobile’s bumper.
Vicki Butler-Henderson (1997 to 2001)
Vicki was simply 25-years-old when she first appeared on the present
(Image: Creative Commons)
Racing driver Vicki joined Top Gear, aged 25, after showing a few instances as a visitor.
She later joined Quentin over on Fifth Gear, the place she remained till 2015.
She has additionally hosted numerous radio exhibits and as soon as appeared on Celebrity Pointless.
Tiff Needell (1987 to 2001)
Tim used to race at Le Mans, ending third in 1990
(Image: Creative Commons)
The former racing driver was a longtime host of the unique present till it was axed, and he adopted Quentin and Vicki over to Channel 5 on Fifth Gear.
He as soon as returned to Top Gear as an ‘Emergency Stig’ after they wanted somebody to coach director Danny Boyle round the observe.
He has additionally joined James May in a few Toy Stories episodes.
The new series of Top Gear begins Sunday, March 14 at 8pm on BBC One.
