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Interview: Vicki Butler-Henderson

Before I got the Top Gear and Fifth Gear jobs I helped launch Max Power – I was the mechanic

30 January 2008

Sexy motoring host and petrolhead Vicki Butler-Henderson has returned for a new series of Channel Five’s popular motoring show Fifth Gear – along with co-hosts Tiff Needell, Tom Ford, Jonny Smith and Jason Plato.

Vijay Pattni caught up with the racer on the set of the show to talk about strange fan mail, frustrating presenters, and who really burned the Top Gear set.

Fifth Gear is now in its 13th series and is one of Channel Five’s most successful – and longest-running – shows.

“I’ve been one of the longest serving members of Fifth Gear – I was there when it all started in 2002.”

Most people take a bit of time out when they get made redundant – but not Vicki.

After Top Gear was taken off the air in 2001, Vicki teamed up with ex-Top Gear stars Tiff Needell and Quentin Wilson to present the fledgling Channel Five motoring show Fifth Gear.

But her road to the show involved a stint as a ‘mechanic’ writing for one of the UK’s most infamous modified car magazines – Max Power.

“Before I got the Top Gear and Fifth Gear jobs, I helped launch Max Power – I was the mechanic.”

Click here for our EXCLUSIVE Fifth Gear behind-the-scenes special

The show

So what has been the highlight of the new series?

“We recreated the famous crash scene from Casino Royale.

“I did a roll-over stunt – I got strapped into this giant-rolling machine and we got a stunt driver to perform the real thing – when we edited the film it looks like me doing the barrel-roll.”

But this high-adrenaline stunt was not the most fun she’s had on Fifth Gear.

“We’ve done a lot over 12 series, including me piloting a Jaguar jet-fighter plane, but one of my favourite things was teaching my mum how to drive around a racing track.”

Click here for our EXCLUSIVE Fifth Gear behind-the-scenes slide show

The presenters

And she has seen those 12 series with ex-racer and motoring legend Tiff Needell.

“I absolutely adore Tiff – and I’ve worked with him the longest.”

“I adore Tom too. We have a great working relationship and are very supportive of each other.”

What about relative newcomer Jonny Smith?

“Jonny is like a lost child…but in the loveliest sense. He does his own thing and gets on with the job – I suppose he is quite entertaining…”

Vicki has become famous for her husky tones, and her gravely-voiced laughter is infectious, catching the attention of an Ace Café diner, who asks Vicki for a photograph.

Strange fan mail

And although Vicki has one of the best jobs in the business, she still encounters some strange requests from fans.

“I have had some – some really strange stuff which I can’t repeat.

“Something to do with a peacock feather – I received a very strange letter from a 60-year-old couple who sent a peacock feather in the post.”

Burning the Top Gear set?

After test-driving the world’s most exotic cars and being a part-time racer, what does Vicki Butler-Henderson still have on the cards?

“You know something? I feel so blessed about what I’ve done. I’ve driven Ferraris, Lamborghinis, a Jaguar jet-fighter plane – which was one of the greatest things I’ve done in my life – and I’ve driven a Formula One car.

“I’m pretty content.”

But there is something she wished she had done.

“I didn’t burn the Top Gear set! I really wish I could admit to it, but sadly I can’t.”

So who did?

“Have you asked the others?” Vicki replies, with a mischievous smile.

The new series of Fifth Gear is on Channel Five on Mondays at 8pm.

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