Edd China Is Leaving Wheeler Dealers, Says New Producers Want To Dumb It Down

After 13 years as one of our favourite TV mechanics, Edd China has put his foot down over a decision by new producers to make his workshop sequences shorter and simpler

Matt Kimberley

Updated: 10 Oct 2024

Edd China, the mechanical genius Wheeler Dealers‘ beloved mechanic, is leaving the show after 13 years because its new producers apparently want to dumb it down. Replacing him alongside Mike Brewer will be Ant Anstead, who we also like, and who could be a better fit for the changing format.

Lovable mechanic Edd’s workshop sequences are famous for their detail, technical accuracy and genuinely enjoyable watchability, but because they’re time-consuming and therefore expensive to film, the new production company, Velocity, wants to cut them down and simplify them.

Edd released a statement via YouTube in the clip at the top. He claims the producers found it ‘too difficult to make’ in its current format, but isn’t willing to stand for the dumbing-down that Velocity wants to introduce.

As part of his decision to quit, he said:

“Unfortunately, on Velocity’s first attempt at producing the show they found Wheeler Dealers “too difficult to make”, “at least in its current format.”
“In particular, the detailed and in depth coverage of my fixes in the workshop; what I consider to be the backbone and USP of the programme, are something Velocity feel should be reduced. The workshop jobs are certainly the hardest part of the show to make and reducing their substance and role in the show will save the production considerable time, effort and therefore money.
“However, this new direction is not something I am comfortable with as I feel the corners I was being asked to cut compromised the quality of my work and would erode my integrity as well as that of the show, so I have come to the conclusion that my only option is to let Velocity get on with it, without me.”

We have huge respect for Edd’s decision, and we know many of you will as well. He has too much respect for his own work to let this slide, and we don’t blame him one bit. We’re looking forward to whatever he does next.

Comments

Well… This means my childhood has finally concluded. Oh the memories

Another good show turning to crap with the star of the show leaving.
Honestly, I always skipped the part where Mike is going to buy extra parts or where he is working at the car. I love every bit of Ed China’s work in that show and I learned a lot from him.

Please Ed, start a web series with even more detailed content and I won’t ever have to see brewers face again.

Might as well just bin the show then..

Good thing Edd has some more free time now. Phil is in need of some attention. I think it’s time for Car Throttle to have a “Edd’s garage” segment of YouTube videos.

Edd is the soul of Wheeler Dealers! This show is part of my childhood and my actual life. Is so sad…

He was the whole reason I loved this show. I enjoyed his bits on fixing the cars so much more than when Mike was on shouting about. Gonna miss him on there. Hopefully he gets his own show or Internet series.

What a shame, sad to see Edd go. I think he was really the show maker. Mike was always the one in my perspective the one who made the show a bit boring, not Edd. I Hope that Edd continues his work at an other tv channel or maybe on the internet.