Alongside car shows with a global fan base, the diminutive thrill-seeker has fronted science and engineering programmes, game shows and natural history specials.
Richard Hammond is part of the trio, with Clarkson and May, that made the BBC’s Top Gear a global phenomenon. They now continue their brand of automotive escapades and banter on Amazon Prime’s The Grand Tour.
Dubbed ‘the Hamster’ by his Top Gear colleagues, Richard was famously catapulted onto the news bulletins after surviving a 300mph crash during filming. He incurred a severe brain injury but defied experts by making a recovery in just five weeks.
Richard made his TV debut on Granada’s Men and Motors, on which the crew reportedly outnumbered viewers. He also championed motorists’ concerns on Money Matters, and contributed a weekly car column for the Daily Mirror. Since then he has become one of the best known presenters in the country, and even around the world.
Away from cars Richard has hosted the gameshow Total Wipeout, investigated the Gunpowder Plot and the Holy Grail. He’s turned chatshow host, presented Crufts, and fronted Sky’s science show Brainiac - described as ‘Tomorrow’s World meets Jackass’. He’s also hosted a wide range of engineering and science shows and was the last person to interview stunt legend Evel Knievel.
