"Top Gear", in its rejuvenated, hour-long format, is simply compulsory viewing on a Sunday evening. As a glossy motoring magazine aimed at petrol-heads of all ages, the show pulverises any competition with its blend of beautiful photography, humorous scripts and highly watchable presenters.
The living legend that is Jeremy Clarkson remains one of the funniest men on television and it will be a truly sad day when he decides to move on from motoring journalism. However, his fellow presenters, Richmond Hammond and James May are just as enjoyable to watch. I've been a fan of the diminutive and enthusiastic Hamster since the early days of "Granada Men and Motors" and it was a dream come true to see him land a presenting role on the restyled "Top Gear". Floppy-haired James May is one of television's true English gentlemen - well spoken, witty and just a touch eccentric. The chemistry between these three men is comedy gold and I often watch with my jaw dropped in disbelief at just how good this show is.
The famous races, where each presenter has to reach a certain far-off place using a variety of means, are truly gripping films for the series and raise the bar on what we now expect from a motoring television show. The recent "Polar Special" was an example of the imagination and budget that makes "Top Gear" such an original and watchable programme.
Simply brilliant - 10 out of 10.
