|
Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond are behemoths of the motoring world. But who’s the biggest star?
Adrian Hearn puts the Top Gear giants head to head in their own celebrity deathmatch.
Richard Hammond burst onto our screens in 2002. The pint-sized presenter became an instant TV hit.
He was bullied by his co-presenter Jeremy Clarkson – a man twice his size with more outspoken views than Jose Mourinho.
But who is the biggest celebrity?
TV
In addition to Top Gear, Hammond has fronted science show Brainiac, quiz show Petrolheads, The 5 o’clock Show and Crufts.
Clarkson has appeared as a guest on Have I Got News For You and Never Mind The Buzzcocks, and has presented several other engine-based shows, including Jeremy Clarkson’s Extreme Machines.
Winner: Hammond
Newspapers
Hammond writes a motoring column for the Mirror – a paper with an average daily circulation of 1.5 million. The same newspaper reportedly paid Hammond a six-figure sum for his story after his 288mph Dragster crash.
Clarkson writes a non-motoring column in the Sun on Saturdays, which has an average circulation of 3 million, and two columns in the Sunday Times (1.2 million).
Winner: Clarkson
Radio
Hammond began his career working for BBC Radio York. He recently returned to his roots after the BEEB asked him to present four Bank Holiday shows on Radio Two.
Last year Clarkson helped host a drive time show with colleagues James May and Hammond for an episode of Top Gear. It didn’t go well.
Winner: Hammond
Books
The Hamster has written a book on the fun of physics, stemming from his spell as a presenter on Sky’s Brainiac. He’s also written Car Confidential - a quirky fact book on cars – and What Not to Drive.
Clarkson’s books are bestsellers – shifting millions of copies. Titles include The World According to Clarkson, Born to be Riled and I know You Got Soul.
Winner: Clarkson
Ladies
In an Auto Trader poll, Hammond was named the man women would most like to share their car with – beating Johnny Depp and Brad Pitt. Sorry Jeremy, but in this category you’ve got no chance.
Winner: Hammond
DVDs
At the end of 2006 Clarkson released The Good The Bad The Ugly, a huge-selling DVD featuring, machine guns, exploding cars and serious off-roading. Other releases from the motormouth include Heaven and Hell, Back in the Fast Lane, and Jeremy Clarkson’s Top 100 Cars.
Hammond has featured in several Top Gear DVDs, but Jezza’s pint-sized rival has only appeared without Clarkson in Brainiac: Season One.
Winner: Clarkson
Overall: Tie
Clarkson is as loved as he is hated – on a massive scale. It could be argued he was the one who brought motoring to the masses. And he’s sold more books and DVDs than all his co-stars put together.
While Hammond isn’t as controversial as the big man, he appeals to a wider audience and – along with James May and Jezza – is set to become global star as Top Gear heads stateside.
It’s a draw for now – but watch out Jezza…
Auto Trader Links:
Clarkson versus the world
Auto Talk: Richard Hammond
Auto Talk: Jeremy Clarkson
Auto Talk: James May
Top Gear moving to America?
Top Gear around the world
Top Gear backlash over Clarkson 'joke'
Top Gear trashes Big Brother
Top Gear - essential facts
The Weird World of Wheels: Top Gear Special
Trackside: Who is the Stig?
Look at the Wheels on That: Toyota Hilux
Slide show: Top Gear
The Return of Top Gear
| 
Bookmark this page with: