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Identity of Top Gear's Stig revealed

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bluedave

20.Jan.2009 11:51 hrs

Well, the worst kept secret in motoring has finally been revealed.

To the viewers of Top Gear, he is part man, part machine, with veins that course with petrol. But the true substance of “the Stig”, the BBC programme’s so-called tame racing driver, was revealed yesterday to be somewhat more prosaic.

The Stig is Ben Collins, Le Mans racer and double for Daniel Craig in the latest James Bond film.

It's distressed a number of people within the Beeb and has been likened to destroying Father Xmas himself.

The BBC has a policy of never commenting on the identity of the Stig, who has a cult following around the world. A spokesman for Top Gear said yesterday: “We never comment on speculation as to who or what the Stig is.”

Privately, staff at the corporation could not hide their frustration. “It’s bloody annoying,” one show insider said. “You wouldn’t write a piece saying that Santa didn’t exist.”

Johnny English

20.Jan.2009 11:54 hrs

...

thefirelane

20.Jan.2009 11:56 hrs

The wikipedia doesn't say anything about Ben Collins having an African or Fat American cousin, so I'm calling BS

Johnny English

20.Jan.2009 12:00 hrs

Just emailed my guy again. My guess is that his denial was him being a sneaky git. The truth is probably that they usually use Ben Collins, but of course when he is not available, they have the option just to slot in another half-decent driver. Relying on one guy could be a pain in the arse for filming schedules.

Bob Loblaw

20.Jan.2009 12:13 hrs

I always thought it was pretty well known that it was Collins (most of the time), just something you don't talk about or get a 100 % confirmation.

BigEnglish2009

20.Jan.2009 12:23 hrs

I have a contact at Dunsfold where it is filmed and 90% of the time it is Ben Collins but he reckons that they have used 3 other guys as well on an irregular basis, including, at least one time, Damon Hill.

sarabyrd

20.Jan.2009 12:45 hrs

That was Scogs' theory. I hope that he knows that he was right.

Johnny English

20.Jan.2009 14:47 hrs

Ben it is with the odd helper when pushed of course.

Mapleleafdude

24.Jan.2009 16:09 hrs

I had always thought it was Damon Hill.

Heres a pic of the Stig's fat American cousin

Attached image

hams

22.Jun.2009 08:13 hrs

Michael Schumacher as the 'white Stig'.

Hmmmm, the mystery deepens...

Showem

22.Jun.2009 08:24 hrs

I'm pretty sure that was Schumacher's very own Ferrari that was timed in the episode last night, so it was also likely him driving it. Unlikely it was him driving any other time though, but it was a good laugh when the helmet came off.

Timmeh

22.Jun.2009 08:28 hrs

Was certainly a snot fast lap.
Did anyone take notice of the credits? It credited "The Stig" and then later "Special Guest Michael Schumacher", so I think that by having him revealed as the Stig was a purposeful ploy to try and confuse the identity of him again.

Owain Glyndwr

22.Jun.2009 08:31 hrs

yup. a nice little joke/bit of fun which adds to the confusion.

Johnny English

22.Jun.2009 08:46 hrs

Correct. The Stig is still Ben Collins, just a TopGear attempt to muddy the waters.

p.s. Just as well 'cos I suspect an interview with Schumacher is potentially pretty dull if acting as himself!!

Jimbo

22.Jun.2009 14:58 hrs

And Schuey didn't do a lap in the Suzuki as he's under contract to Fiat.

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