Top Gear star Steve Berry admits he ‘never got along’ with co-star Jeremy Clarkson and reveals why the writing was on the wall for BBC show once he launched The Grand Tour

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Steve Berry, a Top Gear cast member, disclosed that he and Jeremy Clarkson didn’t see eye-to-eye during their stint on the BBC program.

During a unique conversation for Al Arabiya News, the 61-year-old British automotive journalist openly confessed.

Instead of softening his words, the auto aficionado maintained a firm stance when discussing his ex-coworker, who is 65 years old. He attributed his self-centered traits as the very qualities that made this individual ‘distinctive’ and attractive to the executives at Top Gear.

In his account, he described that his initial encounter with the television personality happened during a specific event hosted by Jeremy Clarkson.

Reflecting on that event, I’ll always remember it distinctly; he arrived a full two hours tardy. In contrast, I intentionally arrived thirty minutes ahead, eager to make a good impression.

‘He arrived several hours behind schedule, leaving the team seething with anger. I couldn’t help but think, “It’s crucial to keep the crew supportive, so avoid being late like this.”‘

I affirm that the presenter’s demeanor on-screen mirrors his true self off-camera, according to Steve.

He added: ‘You couldn’t act that persona for all the years that he has. 

‘He is kind of like that, and like I said, even though he and I never really got on together.

The last face-to-face encounter with him was during a car show at a bar, where an open bar was available. He remarked, “Berry, even though it’s common knowledge that we don’t get along, I’ll treat you to a drink and we can pretend to enjoy each other’s company over there.

Steve confessed that Top Gear found it challenging to keep up when Clarkson, along with his fellow presenters James May and Richard Hammond, began working on their new show, The Grand Tour, for Amazon Prime.

A potential issue with traditional car shows is that they may require globetrotting to captivate audiences, as depicted in shows like Grand Tour and Top Gear.

1. It’s not enough to simply head to the car park, garden, or kitchen. Instead, you need to explore unique and remote locations such as the salt flats in Namibia or the North Pole.
2. You can’t just wander around common areas like the car park, garden, or kitchen. To satisfy your sense of adventure, consider visiting extraordinary places like the salt flats in Namibia or the North Pole instead.

‘Or else people are like, “oh, well, this isn’t as good as the Grand Tour”. They set a standard.’

And yet, the motoring legend had nothing but ‘respect’ for Jeremy. 

You know what I’ve been trying to express? I made it clear before, and I’ll say it again – I don’t feel fondness for him, but I do have respect for him. In my opinion, Clarkson, Hammond, and May left at the perfect moment.

The group was about to embark on their project, but some concepts seemed to be revisited for a second or third time.

Initially, it was captivating to keep watching, but as they stopped, I found myself thinking, “This is perfect timing.” (or alternatively, “What great timing.”)

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2025-08-05 00:49