The Stig’s Final Identity Unveiled by Jeremy Clarkson After Years of Secrecy
After more than two decades of entertaining audiences with his wit and driving skills, Jeremy Clarkson bid farewell to his role as a host on ‘The Grand Tour’ as the final episode aired on Amazon Prime. The culmination of the show brought about a sense of nostalgia and reflection on the journey that Clarkson, along with his co-hosts, James May and Richard Hammond, had embarked on over the years. As fans gathered at Clarkson’s British pub for a viewing party, they were treated to some behind-the-scenes secrets, including the long-awaited revelation of the true identity of the mysterious racing driver known as The Stig.
The Evolution of The Stig on ‘Top Gear’
The enigmatic figure of The Stig was a central fixture on the BBC show ‘Top Gear’ during Clarkson’s tenure as a presenter. The character, dressed in a signature racing suit and helmet, captivated audiences with his silent and mysterious demeanor as he put various cars through their paces on the track. The identity of The Stig was shrouded in secrecy, with only a select few privy to the truth behind the mask.
Throughout the years, The Stig was portrayed by different racing drivers, each bringing their own unique flair to the role. The first iteration of The Stig was revealed to be Perry McCarthy, who donned the black helmet in 2002 and 2003 before being exposed by a British tabloid. McCarthy’s time as The Stig came to an end, but the character lived on with new drivers stepping into the role.
Ben Collins took over as the white Stig in 2003, showcasing his racing prowess on the show for seven years. However, Collins decided to reveal his identity when he sought to publish a book about his experiences on ‘Top Gear,’ leading to his departure from the show. Following Collins’ exit, Phil Keen assumed the mantle of The Stig in 2010, taking on the challenges presented by Clarkson, May, and Hammond, as well as the new hosts of ‘Top Gear,’ such as Chris Harris, Paddy McGuinness, and Freddie Flintoff.
Jeremy Clarkson’s Revelation: The Final Identity of The Stig
During a candid moment at his British pub, Clarkson finally disclosed the true identity of the last incarnation of The Stig. “The original Stig was Perry McCarthy, followed by Ben Collins, followed by Phil Keen. There isn’t a current ‘Top Gear,’ so there isn’t a current Stig, but the last one was Phil Keen,” Clarkson revealed to the crowd. With this revelation, it was confirmed that Phil Keen, a British GT racer with an impressive track record, had been the man behind the mask from 2010 until the show’s final episode in 2022.
Phil Keen’s credentials in British GT racing speak for themselves, with 24 wins, 16 pole positions, and a British GT Championship under his belt. His expertise also extends to the European Le Mans Series, where he competes in the LMGT3 class and has achieved notable success. As the curtain falls on ‘The Grand Tour’ and the future of the show remains uncertain following a harrowing incident involving host Freddie Flintoff, Keen’s legacy as The Stig will be remembered as the final chapter in the storied history of the iconic character.
In conclusion, the unveiling of The Stig’s final identity by Jeremy Clarkson marks the end of an era filled with mystery, excitement, and adrenaline-fueled moments on the track. As fans bid farewell to their favorite racing driver, they can look back on the legacy of The Stig with fondness and appreciation for the talented individuals who brought the character to life over the years.
