Jon Bentley discovered Jeremy Clarkson

[SL65]

Jon Bentley is that boring old fart who presented a few of the boringest segments in the latest series of Fifth Gear...I never knew HE discovered Jezza though! I believe Bentley IS the current FG producer??

When I first met Jeremy Clarkson in June 1987, I decided immediately that he'd make a great Top Gear presenter. He was just what I was looking for; an enthusiastic motoring writer who could make cars on telly fun.

Unfortunately, as a researcher on Top Gear, I wasn't yet in a position to back my Clarkson hunch with a screen test. But a few months later I had clawed my way up to producer and, at last, I was in a position to act.

Regrettably, my copy of the screen test tape disappeared from my BBC office many years ago, so I can't tell you exactly what he said about it.

Damn BBC legal dept. probly stole it Stupid know-it-all nobhead suits! Hate them

Does anyone know when Jeremy first presented on TopGear? I'm guessing 1997 rite?? I wonder who discovered Tiff...oh and STIGGY
http://www.topgear.com/content/features/stories/2005/06/stories/12/1.html

 

[VWKafer]

I would really like to see Jeremy's first appearance on TG

 

[ESPNSTI]

Re: Jon Bentley discovered Jeremy Clarkson

Does anyone know when Jeremy first presented on TopGear? I'm guessing 1997 rite??

According to IMDB, he was first on Top Gear in 1989.

 

[Kebab gud]

1997? thats crazy ...
he started on topgear in the late 80s

 

[RichW]

Yes Jon Bentley is Producer for 5th Gear. Whilst Andy Wilman (who has also featured in front of the lens somewhere) is producer of Top Gear.

 

[Top Gear Girl]

I posted about John Bentley, hiring Jeremy, being producer of 5th Gear, etc, ages ago.

 

[Ianspeed]

yeah but he was a motoring journo for years before hand. . . I would think discovering is a bit over the top. Still, cool find. I would like to see that vid too.

 

[Overheat]

I posted about John Bentley, hiring Jeremy, being producer of 5th Gear, etc, ages ago.

yea and me even b4 that - don't worry, news travels slow around here - lol

 

[RichW]

Ok then

What does Jon Bentley present apart from 5th Gear

 

[Overheat]

The Gadget Show for one.

 

[RichW]

 

[Volvo_S70]

Yes Jon Bentley is Producer for 5th Gear. Whilst Andy Wilman (who has also featured in front of the lens somewhere) is producer of Top Gear.

With Wilman presenting I have a video (dont know when it aired and on what show, I'd guess Fifth Gear.) He's at the brand new (back then) Volvo Safety Center and shows how Volvo tests cars and all that stuff.

 

[Top Gear Girl]

Andy Willman was on TG he's never been on 5th Gear.

 

[Renesis]

I posted about John Bentley, hiring Jeremy, being producer of 5th Gear, etc, ages ago.

..but we don't like you