In a recent episode of the popular talk show, Alan Carr: Chatty Man, Richard Hammond opened up about his experience filming the Top Gear Christmas special in Argentina. The episode, which is set to air this Christmas, took an unexpected turn when controversy arose over some dodgy Argentinian number plates.
Hammond revealed that the Top Gear crew were filming in Chile and Argentina, showcasing the beautiful scenery and incredible locations in Patagonia. However, about a week into the shoot, they received a tweet pointing out the controversial number plate on one of their cars. Realizing the potential offense it could cause, the team decided to remove the number plate.
But that wasn’t the end of their troubles. As they continued filming, the crew faced a frightening situation when they were targeted by locals. Rocks were thrown at them, forcing them to flee and seek refuge in a hotel. Hammond admitted that he and his co-hosts, James May and Jeremy Clarkson, were relatively safe in the hotel, but the crew members, including researchers and camera operators, endured a harrowing 58-hour ordeal on the run from their pursuers.
Eventually, Hammond, May, Clarkson, and a few producers managed to secure flights out of Buenos Aires to return home. However, the crew members left behind were relentlessly pursued and faced roadblocks as they desperately tried to escape. Every car window was smashed, and they had to cover the windows with jackets for protection.
Hammond expressed his concern for the crew, emphasizing that these were people they had worked with and cared about for years. He believes that their ordeal should be seen, as it was truly distressing. The talk show audience applauded his sentiments, acknowledging the unfairness of the situation and standing in solidarity with the crew.
As the episode concluded, Carr thanked viewers for watching and encouraged them to subscribe for more highlights and behind-the-scenes footage of the show. It seems that even in the face of adversity, Hammond managed to inject a bit of his signature humor by playfully teasing Carr about his choice of seat on the talk show set.
Be sure to catch the Top Gear Christmas special to witness the full account of this incident. It serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of entertainment production and the importance of recognizing the dedicated individuals who work behind the scenes to bring our beloved shows to life.
