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With the conclusion of both Top Gear and The Grand Tour (at least until new hosts are announced), former hosts are ready to share some insights—including the identity of the third and final Stig. During a Q&A session following a screening of the series’ last episode, Jeremy Clarkson revealed that the most recent Stig is Phil Keen. While it’s rumored that he might only know two things about ducks, and both are incorrect, that’s the only information we have on him for now.
Throughout its 33-season run, there have been three distinct Stigs. The first two were Perry McCarthy, a British Le Mans and Formula 1 driver, and Ben Collins, a British racing driver and stunt performer. McCarthy’s portrayal of The Stig was unique in that he wore a black racing suit but lasted only two seasons. Collins enjoyed a longer tenure but was ultimately dismissed from Top Gear in 2010 after disclosing his identity as The Stig in his autobiography, The Man in the White Suit. Until recently, the last Stig’s identity remained a mystery.
After a screening of “One for the Road” at his farm, Clarkson stated, “The original Stig was Perry McCarthy, followed by Ben Collins, followed by Phil Keen.”
Keen continues to compete as a driver in the British GT Championship, where he is recognized as the most successful with 24 wins, 16 pole positions, and a Supersport class victory. He served as The Stig from 2010 to 2022.
During the extensive Q&A, which contained numerous engaging facts and stories about both Top Gear and The Grand Tour, Clarkson suggested that both the BBC and Amazon should refrain from seeking out celebrities for their shows. Instead, he encouraged them to find young, passionate car enthusiasts who aren’t well-known, mirroring the original approach taken with the initial trio on Top Gear.
As someone who grew up watching Top Gear, it’s exciting to uncover behind-the-scenes details about a show that ignited many of our shared passion for cars.
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