In a recent episode of Friday Night with Jonathan Ross, the popular chat show welcomed the one and only Richard Hammond. The conversation revolved around Hammond’s near-fatal crash, which occurred exactly one year and one day prior to the interview.
Host Jonathan Ross kicked off the interview by welcoming “the hamster Richard” and commenting on how well he looked. Ross inquired about how things have settled down for Hammond since the crash, to which Hammond replied that recovering from a head injury takes time. He mentioned how each week he would feel better, only to realize how much he still had to recover.
Ross brought up the fact that this interview was Hammond’s first television appearance since the accident and asked if he could remember doing it. Surprisingly, Hammond admitted he couldn’t remember the interview at all, jokingly blaming it on getting lost in the studio.
The conversation then turned to Hammond’s book, which coincided with the one-year anniversary of the crash. What made the book unique was that it was co-written by Hammond and his wife, Mindy. Hammond explained that Mindy wrote her side of the story, filling in the gaps of his memory loss. He humorously admitted that her half of the book was the most entertaining to read.
When asked about watching the footage of the crash, Hammond revealed that it took him several months before the doctors allowed him to see it. He mentioned how his wife had a more difficult time watching it than he did. They both acknowledged that although it was extreme, there was still an exciting aspect to seeing the crash unfold.
Ross delved into a deeper discussion about mortality and how the crash had affected Hammond’s perspective. Surprisingly, Hammond didn’t feel depressed about it. He shared that at the moment of the crash, he thought there was nothing more he could do, so he accepted that dying was the next step. He stated that although the crash made him aware of the danger, it didn’t make him horribly depressed.
The conversation took a lighthearted turn as Ross delved into Hammond’s thrill-seeking nature. Hammond admitted to engaging in various risky activities, such as riding motorcycles and even instigating fights with larger individuals. The banter between him and Ross continued, showcasing the comedian side of their relationship.
The discussion circled back to the present, focusing on Hammond’s role on the popular show Top Gear. Ross highlighted how the show continuously puts Hammond in precarious situations, such as driving to the North Pole or irritating Americans with their cars’ slogans. They shared a humorous moment discussing their fondness for thrill-seeking and the excitement it brings.
Before the interview concluded, Ross playfully asked Hammond to promise him one thing: never to let Jeremy Clarkson, Hammond’s co-host, play the drums publicly again. They shared a laugh over an embarrassing performance by their Top Gear supergroup.
As the interview wrapped up, Ross commended Hammond’s book, describing it as a gripping and heartwarming story. They discussed the possibility of future books, showcasing various mock covers they had prepared. The interview ended on a positive note, showcasing the great rapport between Ross and Hammond.
Overall, the interview provided insights into Richard Hammond‘s recovery journey after the crash, his sense of humor, and his passion for thrill-seeking. It was an entertaining and enlightening conversation that left viewers eager to read Hammond’s book and see what adventures he’ll embark on next.
