This photo combo shows an undated file photo of the driver
for the BBC motoring programme Top Gear "The Stig" left,
and Ben Collins seen at the High Court in London today. (AP
Photo/ PA)
The opaque visor of one of Britain's most famous helmets
has been lifted.
The identity of The Stig, the always-anonymous test driver on
the popular television show "Top Gear," has long been a
closely guarded secret. But today lawyers said the BBC had
been refused an injunction blocking publication of a book
revealing the identity of the character.
Shortly after, publishers HarperCollins said in a statement
that a 33-year-old racing driver named Ben Collins "has a
great story to tell about his seven years as The Stig, which
will appeal to a wide audience beyond just motoring
enthusiasts."
Calling it a "victory for freedom of speech," HarperCollins
said the book will be published in Britain on Sept. 16.
The white-suited Stig is the second in the role; the first
Stig, who wore a black suit and helmet, was Perry McCarthy.
He left the show in 2003 after his identity was revealed.
The show has a long-standing policy of not commenting on The
Stig's identity. A "Top Gear" spokeswoman said no decision
has been made on whether the character will be back when the
show returns.
"Top Gear" is one of the BBC's most successful programs, and
is seen in more than 100 countries around the world.
Alongside the show's three garrulous hosts, The Stig is an
always-silent presence, fearlessly navigating the show's test
track in glamorous cars.
Speculation over his identity is a favourite pastime for fans
of the show, and the "Top Gear" website sells T-shirts
proclaiming "I am The Stig," ''I am not The Stig," and "I am
The Stig's fat cousin," among others.
"The whole point of The Stig is the mystique - the bizarre
characteristics he has, the wonderment created about what he
might think, feel, do or look like," producer Andy Wilman
said in a post on the show's website.
"Kids adore the conceit, and I believe adults, although they
know it's a man in a suit (or is it?) gladly buy into the
whole conceit because they find it entertaining."
The Stig's Facebook page - which more than 2.5 million people
"like" - says he was recently attacked by a goose, that his
ears "are not where you would expect them to be," and that he
thinks the movie "Star Wars" is a documentary.
The BBC said it sought the injunction - the hearing was held
in private - because viewers like the mystery surrounding the
driver's identity and it's "vital to protect the character of
The Stig."
The broadcaster said that the judgment does not prevent them
from taking the issue further in the courts.
'The BBC will not be deterred from protecting such
information from attack no matter when or by whom it should
arise," the broadcaster said in a statement.
Collins' website says he has raced on the Formula Three and
NASCAR circuits, and drove James Bond's Aston Martin in the
2008 film "Quantum of Solace."
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