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Richard Hammond sprung to prominence as one of the three presenters on BBC’s Top Gear. The Hamster as Richard was affectionately know, along with co-presenters Jeremy Clarkson and James May, brought an easy charm to camera, enhanced with a gentle and often self-mocking wit.
It all ended when in 2016 Richard, James and Jeremy left the BBC to host Amazon Prime’s The Grand Tour.
His style was seen previously in 2000 on ITV’s Motor Show which was a lifestyle motoring show aimed at a broader audience than the typical petrol-head. Earlier In 1998-99 he presented Motorweek – a weekly magazine for Granada Sky Broadcasting, also Kits ‘n’ Cruisin, a weekly look at unusual cars (and motoring people) and he examined motoring consumer issues for Money Matters (The Money Channel).
Still with motoring – although with a twist ‘Better Cars’ took the cars and their owners to the experts and designers. This was with a view to restore and also make-over their vehicles. The idea was to realize their dreams and make what might be no more than a family run-about into their dream cars.
Through 2000-01 Richard Hammond was a comfortable and witty presence on the sofa of Livetime for Granada Breeze. Here he presented live hour-long shows of lifestyle issues. From November 2000 he had a regular 2 hours live each Saturday with Home and Garden. He was also ‘tasting’ Canada for Carlton Food Network.
His lively warmth enhanced his BBC TV opt out for Children in Need. This was a characteristic he also brought to Radio with a weekly motoring hour on LBC.
In 2003 Richard moved out of the garage for a moment when he tackled scientific matters for Sky One with Braniac. This was described as a sort of Tomorrow’s World meets Jackass.
He has also channelled his talents into the Corporate Market. Richard is often speaking and hosting for such clients as Ferrari Owners Club and Renault Sport.
In September 2006 whilst test driving a jet powered high speed car for an episode of Top Gear, the car went out of control whilst travelling at just over 288 mph.
Richard sustained a serious head injury and was on the critical list for some time. However, after an almost miraculous recovery, he was back filming Top Gear within a couple of months. By January 2007 he was back on screen in the UK. Top Gear then showed the footage of the crash with Richard commenting on what he remembered of it.
Once again Richard sidestepped from motoring, when in 2009 he teamed up with Irish presenter and former model, Amanda Byram. This was to present BBC’s game show Total Wipeout. There were five seasons of the show which ran with Richard up until 2012.
Richard has a number of books out and they are not all just about motoring. Some are about motor bikes, some are about science and there’s one about Ancient Treasures. There’s also some about Richard himself. On The Edge was a best seller.
