Andy Wilman, the mastermind producer behind both the original Top Gear and its global Amazon successor The Grand Tour, has launched a scorching broadside against the BBC, accusing the corporation of fundamentally misunderstanding the very talent that made them millions.
The Billion-Pound Breakaway
In a remarkably candid interview, Wilman revealed how their departure from the BBC following Clarkson's 2015 dismissal became one of television's most lucrative second acts. "What we did for Amazon made more money than Top Gear ever did for the BBC," Wilman stated, highlighting the staggering commercial success of their Amazon venture.
The executive producer didn't hold back when analysing the BBC's approach, suggesting the corporation never truly grasped Clarkson's unique appeal. "They never understood that Jeremy's value wasn't just in being a presenter, but in his extraordinary creative vision and understanding of what audiences truly wanted."
Creative Freedom vs Corporate Constraints
Wilman contrasted the restrictive environment at the BBC with the creative freedom Amazon provided. "At Amazon, they gave us the keys and said 'show us what you can do'. The BBC, by contrast, was constantly trying to rein us in, to make the show fit their corporate mould."
The producer revealed how this creative liberation allowed The Grand Tour to evolve beyond traditional motoring journalism into global entertainment phenomenon, with spectacular specials from Madagascar to Mongolia captivating audiences worldwide.
The Legacy Question
Despite the acrimonious split, Wilman acknowledged Top Gear's enduring influence while maintaining the Amazon iteration surpassed it in both ambition and global reach. "We took everything we learned at the BBC and amplified it on a global scale. The production values, the locations, the sheer spectacle - it became something entirely new."
The revelations provide fascinating insight into one of British television's most dramatic behind-the-scenes stories, revealing the creative tensions that ultimately led to one of broadcasting's most successful digital migrations.
