BBC fails to preserve the anonymity of The Stig
HarperCollins has won the right to publish a book in which the identity of Top Gear’s most mysterious presenter, The Stig, is apparently revealed. The BBC has been trying to block the publication with a High Court injunction claiming the anonymity of The Stig is something that viewers of Top Gear enjoyed and owned. The BBC also argued that the publication of the book called The Man In The White Suit was a breach of confidentiality agreements.
Ben Collins, 33-year-old former Formula Three driver, is the man claiming to be The Stig in the autobiography. The BBC has so far refused to confirm or deny the claim. James May, one of the show’s other presenters said, while a guest on BBC London, that for seven years he has been The Stig and has no idea who the man at the High Court was.
Top Gear is currently one of the BBC’s most popular programmes, not only in the UK but around the world. Over the years a number of racing drivers’ have been linked with the mysterious man in white, and at one point Formula One’s Michael Schumacher was unmasked on the show, though it was later admitted that this was a prank.
Following the decision by the judge not to grant an injunction, the BBC said it would not be put off taking the case to trial.
Last month, Mr Collins was touted as a possible Stig after financial reports linking his company to the show were unearthed. The BBC said at the time that this was not surprising as his company often supplied drivers for its Top Gear Live events.