Hello CT. My name is Richard Porter and I was the script editor on Top Gear. Ask me anything.

28 Oct 2015

After working on the show for 13 years, 22 series and 175 programmes, there’s quite a lot I can tell you about Top Gear. I know whose idea it was to get a dog, I was there when we got threatened by drug barons in Bolivia, I can give you the real story of that Porsche number plate. I’ve put all these things in my new book, but you can ask me about them anyway. Or something else. Up to you. I’m here all night. Try the soup in a basket.

Comments

You didn’t answer my question, I wish you had written a book where it may be answered? Have you written a book?

A book? Have I written a book? Don’t be absurd.

Oh no, wait. I HAVE WRITTEN A BOOK.

Why do you think Top Gear America wasn’t anywhere as successful as the original?

Have you seen the more recent episodes? They’ve really got into the groove.

Also, where can we purchase book from if we are not from UK?

Thanks for fast replys!

Wil top gear go to Bulgaria for a special episode

Thanks for answering all of my questions tonight. Last one now. If I buy a book and bring it to the 10 year anniversary in January will you sign it for me (and buy me a pint)?

Hi! I have a few questions:

1 - Have you ever thought of filming in Bulgaria for an episode/special?

2 - What happened to the pen!s they made with the LFA, Vanquish and Viper in LA?

3 - Why weren’t there any challenges with pure JDM cars. Or a special in Japan?

4 -Was Hammond actually scared when he was in Mexico to test the Mastretta?

5- Did Jeremy, Richard and James actually drove the Noble, Lamborghini and McLaren at Imola? Because, at one point, they showed the tachometre of the 12C but the interesting thing was that from Imola the race track turned into Dunsfold (TG Test Track), the color of the car also changed and where the steering wheel was. Actually, did they do any of the stunts and driving (drifting, going insanely fast, hitting obstacles, etc)?

Sorry for the long comment! And thanks in advance for your answer!

Did/does anyone check to see if the indestructible hilux you have in the studio still starts/runs?

Well, that’s it from me. Thanks for all your questions. Sorry if I didn’t answer yours this time around. Probably just missed it in my frantic refreshing of the page. Or I’m still holding a grudge against you for something you said to my great-aunt in 2004. Could be either. Anyway, thanks again. This has been fun.

Before I go, one final and utterly shameless plug. My book is called AND ON THAT BOMBSHELL - Inside the madness and genius of Top Gear and it’s in all good bookshops and online now. If you’re not in the UK, check your local internet for availability details.

Bye bye.

Thanks for the great AMA!

Massive thanks to you, Richard. Great insight into what was the best motoring show…in the world. Hope to see more of your ideas on Amazon.

After this A.M.A. session First thing I did was buy your book as Ebook. And it’s so much fun to read. I hope I will have a carrier simular to yours! I hope you will start working with the boys again and I wish you good luck in whatever you will do from here!