Who is the Stig on Top Gear?
Since Top Gear was launched in 1977, it has been an extremely popular program worldwide, attracting not only motor fanatics but also the general public. Top Gear became a Sunday night staple in the UK. While the presenters of Top Gear have experienced some controversy and change, there is one continuous member of the Top Gear team who has always managed to make an appearance, that being the mysterious Stig. Throughout the series, there has always been some debate over his true identity, and this question is now being asked again due to Top Gear's return in a new series. So we at OneHowTo are going to weigh in on the Top Gear phenomenon and try to answer the question, who is the Stig on Top Gear?
What is the Stig?
Top Gear was reformatted in 2002, and the Stig was first introduced in a full black racing suit and helmet as a recurring member of the Top Gear team. His main function on the program was to set lap times in various vehicles, such as manual, automatic and hybrid, and test their speed and ability. The anonymity provided by the racing driver's helmet intrigued viewers, leading to widespread speculation about his identity. This mysterious character became a pop culture obsession, capturing the imagination of fans and media alike.
Beyond his role in testing cars, the Stig became symbolic of the show's adventurous spirit. The character added an element of mystery and excitement, making each reveal of his identity a significant event. The Stig's presence underscored the show's dedication to performance and excellence.
The Stig's identity
If you're a new Top Gear fan, you're probably dying to know the Stig's true identity. At the end of the 2002 series, a Sunday newspaper revealed the Stig's identity as racing driver Perry McCarthy. When questioned about this, McCarthy stated that while he knew the identity of the Stig, he 'couldn't comment'. It wasn't until the end of the second series that McCarthy revealed in his autobiography he had in fact been the Stig.
McCarthy's revelation did not diminish the allure of the Stig; rather, it added to the legend. Fans were eager to learn about the skills and experiences that each new Stig brought to the track. This perpetual cycle of mystery and revelation kept the audience engaged and speculating.
The Stig's successor
The next Stig to feature on Top Gear appeared in a full white racing suit and helmet, reigniting speculation about the identity of this new Stig. His identity remained a secret from his first appearance on the show in 2003 until 2010 when it was revealed that racing driver Ben Collins was in fact the Stig.
Collins' tenure as the Stig marked a period of thrilling challenges and new records on the track. His expertise in motorsports brought a fresh dynamic to the show, helping maintain the Stig's reputation for unparalleled driving prowess. Fans were once again captivated, eager to see how Collins would push the limits of performance.
During a Christmas special of Top Gear in December 2010, not long after the last Stig was revealed, a baby Stig was humorously revealed in a manger instead of a baby Jesus (oh how Top Gear tickles us!). This was, of course, a sign that a new Stig was to be featured in the next series of Top Gear. They had us all enthralled...
This playful reveal demonstrated Top Gear's knack for blending humor with suspense, keeping audiences guessing about what was next for the Stig. Each iteration of the character promised not only a new face but potentially new skills and surprises on the track.
Who is the Stig now?
The current Stig on the latest and newest series of a revamped Top Gear is still unknown. However, speculation in UK newspapers has already begun. Newest presenter of Top Gear and beloved Friends star Matt LeBlanc, along with co-host Rory Reid, have reportedly followed an 'obscure' racing driver on Twitter. Assuming they mean obscure because he is not so well known, the driver is Phil Keen, the man who may or may not be our latest Stig. Do we actually want to know, though, or is that all part of the fun?
In this regard, the mystery surrounding the Stig is part of what makes Top Gear so compelling. The idea of an unknown, highly skilled driver adds to the intrigue and excitement of the show. As the series continues to evolve, the Stig remains a beloved figure, representing the thrill of the unknown and the joy of high-speed adventure.
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