Meet My Top Gear Boss: ANDY WILMAN

[@AndrewCherry458]

Andy "paint me like one of your French girls" Wilman

[@adrianstroud1558]

Took me 20 mins to get this joke😆

[@Yvolve]

Came here to say this. The man does not care about anyone or anything, what a legend.

[@jkent9915]

He does look quite comfortable.

[@sportbikejesus]

France, where the naked ladies dance / and they look like Dennis Franz

[@BenCollinsDrives]

Soulacroix eat your heart out 😜

[@imaner76]

"You were a brilliant Stig. There's no question. 100%. And you built him. So... there." Andy Wilman 2024.

[@imaner76]

@BenCollinsDrives pin that, or make a poster of it! What a parting gift of a statement.

[@stelvioooo]

Naturally this will need to come on a shirt.

[@styill]

Because of this interview, I have to agree Ben was a brilliant Stig. I always thought that the films with the Stig doing anything other lap times were just played by a member of production or the crew, but I see now that it was always Ben.

[@MichaelLoda]

OH MY GOD MR WILMAN INTERVIEW THANK YOU, there’s not enough videos with that brilliant genius man

[@daveconlon5235]

Wilman is giving it a bit of the Rick James with his shoes on the sofa 🛋 he be like "f*ck yo couch"

[@BenCollinsDrives]

LOL its his couch he slouch all he likes 😂🎉

[@daveconlon5235]

@@BenCollinsDrives kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3jafpyJfrVgndEsi=D7P7vhjrWMO8nxGN

[@daveconlon5235]

@@BenCollinsDrives kzbin.info/www/bejne/jGq4pYeArJyaaKssi=dhQXGcFE7W3kvGqr

[@imaner76]

@@BenCollinsDrives Wilman has a lot of things that are his, that often others like to pass comment on. But push comes to shove it IS his. He can do with as he pleases. End results talk for themselves. Loved the interview. Well done.

[@duncancrickett9212]

First time I've ever heard Andy Wilman speak - you can understand now just why Top Gear ended up being as successful as it was. What a driven, perceptive bloke.

[@Landpirate]

He has very similar mannerisms as Clarkson.

[@hesky10]

​@@Landpiratecan see why they were friends at school

[@Khuros]

they legit grew up together. @@Landpirate

[@circleforalanding]

I could listen to Wilman tell stories for hours...perhaps days. Wondering if, in Part 2, someone will walk into view and hand Ben an envelope from "Mr. Wilman"?

[@patrykholc]

No, this time the envelop should be from Clarkson, Hammond and May

[@GT380man]

I get the impression that Clarkson & Wilman were both outsiders at Repton, never quite accepted by the real posh boys. And that attitude, of never being insiders, but knowing what both the insider and outsider viewpoints looked like, was probably an important ingredient in their long-running success.

[@AndyWilman-cy2eu]

It's my sofa! nevertheless apologies for causing upset.

[@acyko]

alright but did you have to pick purple? great interview.

[@topmandog1]

nobody really cares that much mr wilman dont worry, its a great interview

[@RWL2012]

When the executive producer of a 2002-2015 show joins KZbin in February 2024 lol

[@sm51259]

Thank you for Top Gear Andy. Thank you for being one of the coolest cats ever to walk among us.

[@gaby14888]

Thank you for the all the work you have done. And absolutely great interview

[@denisegore1884]

What a fabulous story of the long friendship between Jeremy and Andy. During covid, many people complained they could not read expressions on faces due to masks but The Stig conveyed so much without voice or facial expressions. That is a real talent.

[@Jason-mk3nn]

This was one of the single best interviews in so very long. It was so real and personal that it will be an interview looked back upon as a testament to a great chapter of car culture. Great job to everyone that helped to make this, and thank you, Andy, for getting back in front of the camera for this.

[@thomgizziz]

Was it? The person you are interviewing is supposed to talk and here the person doing the interview likes to talk a bit too much and interrupts.

[@1969Risky]

"Some say that he thinks that all furry cats are born from a cars catalytic converter, which is why he's so fascinated by them & whenever French lorry drivers go on strike, he has a smile similar to the Mona Lisa. All we know is, he’s called the Stig!" Ben, that was a brilliant interview with Mr Wilman. If you interviewed him for 24hrs straight I'd still watch it for the stories to be told. Just remember Ben, you made the Stig popular for his little quirks which always bring us a laugh. I still do on re-runs of TG. The trio, Mr Wilman, former Stig Perry McCarthy, yourself and those who worked behind the scenes of TG gelled in a car show that only comes together once in a lifetime! Thanks for all the laughs, the ups & downs and going sideways! Looking forward to the next video!

[@Rusty-GB]

Thanks for this Ben. I was glued to the screen for that whole chat. Can't wait for the next part.

[@BenCollinsDrives]

Thank you glad you enjoyed it - very candid although if you buy him a martini in Soho he REALLY gets going

[@Rusty-GB]

@@BenCollinsDrives 🤣

[@Mechanicalrob]

@@BenCollinsDrivesthank you for being my inspiration to getting into motor racing. Obviously I’m never going to be as skilled as yourself. 🫡

[@latrinedveen]

The golden age of Top Gear, thank you for all the insight on the show we all love.

[@markmalcolmdunthorne-holme7653]

Thanks Ben, that was a lovely interview. It was nice to hear Andy talking and now I can easily understand how he and Jeremy work together so well. Thank you Andy for giving us so much wonderful entertainment over so many years and thanks Ben for being the Stig.

[@Frankestein01nl]

From Hearing " mr Wilman" this " mr Wilman" that... it's refreshing to finally meet the man in an open, no nonsence, amazing interview. We love the both of you dearly. Thank you for the jobs you've done and are doing... amazing. Thank you.

[@Birdy606]

I'm just an old hillbilly from the hills of eastern Kentucky and even I know this is an incredible interview and is going to be viewed by many... thanks for sharing...

[@leoa4c]

Andy Wilman is a genius in the traditional sense of the word. He's been with Clarkson for multiple decade. He was in the original Top Gear, he produced the Clarkson talkshow, then the 2002 Top Gear, Top Gear specials, Clarkson's DVD's, The Grand Tour, he's been there at the center of it all. An absolute production genius.

[@newagetemplar6100]

What a beautiful interview ❤ . I’ve been waiting for something like this for years . I can honestly say Top Gear and everyone involved deserves so much respect and recognition . It got both me and my young son through some not very pleasant times and lit up up our lives even when things were SHT . I’m proud to be of the age when the worlds biggest show was around. Although I’ve never met Jeremy I did live in the same village/ town and know of his family’s Paddington Bear Factory . Always a buzz when Top Gear visited Cadwell too as that was my first race circuit where I’d go and spectate and eventually compete. You guys deserve the Nobel Peace prize for bringing joy to the world . 👍🇬🇧

[@invisiblekid99]

Yeah. That team are lightning in a bottle. OK so I do think the ideas/script is being a stretched, but, BUT, as a group they are gold. And it shows how instrumental Clarkson is. He comes across as a buffoon, but there are many cogs in that head of his. His farm is the last conformation you need.

[@watchvidjedi]

I'm 7 minutes in. Loving it... "Why would I do Britain's biggest paving slabs?..Willman is a legend

[@MichaelLoda]

He’s like saying funny things without even realising it, like it’s normal

[@battmarn]

​@@MichaelLodagreat example of how the funniest person you know is usually just some bloke who's a good laugh rather than an actual comedian

[@angelaj686]

I love this interview. The back story, relationship with Clarkson, and evolution of Top Gear and Grand Tour. The bit on Schumacher was touching and tragic. I can't wait until the next installment.

[@zetecrv10]

Good interview Ben. I had the pleasure to work with Michael and spend time with him. He was a great man. I spent a lot of time at Mugello and Fiorano. After many laps he still talked like he was sitting in an armchair. I liked to enjoy himself where possible and liked to play tricks. Very sad what happened.

[@AnthonyFransella]

So cute that they chose to coordinate their outfits

[@yarost12]

They didn't have to, this is the default Brit outfit

[@c-w-h]

​@@yarost12 please explain. Is this the NPC clothing.😂

[@MrSlowly63]

This just ties together so many pieces of information about TG and Jeremy and Wilman that I've known about for years but never quite understood how they came about. Thank you so much for these insights

[@adam872]

Enjoyed that, especially the chat about Schumacher. He sounds like a genuinely interesting (and interested) bloke. It's a real shame what's happened to him.

[@cromulence]

Really enjoyed how this was open ended with some light steering of the conversation - lovely viewing.

[@DavidandLegs]

Epic, my eyes lite up when this came up in my feed! This is the interview I was waiting for. Can’t wait for part 2!! Would be great to have Jeremy, Richard and James together for a future interview.

[@adrianmiller1971]

This was unexpected brilliance, good on Mr Wilman for fronting up. Id never really heard from him, so he was to me, like the 5th Beatle. This also shows the true character of both, having had a tangle in the past. Good form from both.

[@Bazfrog]

What a brilliant Podcast by both interviewer and interviewee. Great to get an insight into the "Behind the Scenes" of "The most watched...etc." and The Grand Tour" and the relationships. Extremely "looking forward" to part 2. 👌👍

[@AthanImmortal]

He had a few jabs at you but that last 5 minutes of him really reliving some of the key moments where you grew the Stig character were great. I'm really glad to see this kind of behind the scenes details.

[@peaktraveller]

That was long overdue - an interview with Andy Wilman! It got better and better as it went on. Loved it.

[@Bruce4lmighty]

Can’t believe I’ve only just found this 6 months after it was posted. What a fantastic interview! I’m old enough to remember the very first episode of Top Gear. Very nostalgic! Thanks to you both for making this interview happen 👍🏻

[@BenCollinsDrives]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@JaradS99]

This is awesome, one day we need Clarkson 👌

[@daveanaru3038]

Yawn.....er.......No thanks.....

[@JaradS99]

@@daveanaru3038 er......no one er.....asked....er....you.....

[@adam45z]

Love this interview So good to hear behind the scenes info about Top Gear!

[@BenCollinsDrives]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@LeeAvison]

Oh. A text from Mr Mr Wilman , Ben Get me on your Channel !! 😂😂 loved this chat with the Master

[@CarTrouble]

Great interview Ben. Its rare nowadays to have an hour long interview that captivates you until the end. Looking forward to part 2.

[@JakeSoulFreeTravels]

VERY good interviewing skills Mr. Collins!! Not underestimating you, but keen that you did it so well!

[@paddymac7303]

OMG - This is the first time I've ever seen Andy Wilman - it is Clarkson with a bit of May mixed in - Incredible

[@Speedy_dew]

This is a great interview with one of the most famous know names but unknown faces the great Andy Wilman. Its great hearing about the stories with Michael Schumacher.

[@TheGlingfram]

You can see Andy is touched by success. The directness and confidence with which he speaks, even if he sounds like a complete asshole. All of that only comes from some one whose done it all. What a guy.

[@Avalaugh0007]

Ive always been interested in hearing Mr Wilman 🎉

[@michaeljarcher]

How come 56minutes only seem to last 10minutes. This is so refreshing, and how great maturity and clear air between Ben and Andy has happened. Two wonderful guys who gaves part in what so many love.

[@cameronchalmers1424]

Brilliant interactive interview, Ben. You can tell that Wilman has the greatest of admiration for you. He just doesn't know how to tell you!

[@minxlabrada]

Was always impressed with the cinematography. And I also think the endurance of the entire production staff should be commended. Every one of those specials looked like a tough shoot and they were able to make art. Also, Clarkson seemed to have tapped into the idea that people like stories about friends on journeys. Lord of the Rings, Star Wars and even the band Rush to a degree, all involve friends on a journey.

[@Yvolve]

What about the band Journey? 😉 I think WIlman summed it up perfectly: fun with cars, without getting too technical. This is why the rest of the show worked as well. All the information was relatable, even when reviewing a supercar. Top speed, 0-60, etc. Regular people will watch that, which is what you need for the show to become big. One of the major reasons was the chemistry between the trio, obviously, but without a good show, there is no banter. We all know cars and we all like fun, so three guys being extremely juvenile with cars and constantly ripping on each other, is going to get views. Clarkson and Wilman are geniuses for making that connection so early on.

[@minxlabrada]

Journey all hate each other pretty much. @@Yvolve

[@Yvolve]

@@minxlabrada Really? I never knew.

[@robertslugg8361]

The adventure starts when things don't go as planned.

[@joshiles]

Journey may all hate each other, but I’ve heard Capt Slow & the Big Ape both speak publicly about their mutual hatred for each other in their own way. I can’t think of a moment Richard’s said it on camera, but it may have happened.

[@dccllcjjt7062]

I could listen to him for days. Ben, awesome job on the interview and simply letting Andy talk. Simply brilliant.

[@gerbil_horde]

Honestly one of the most enjoyable interviews I’ve watched in a long time. Thank you both 🙏🏻

[@ResolvezDubstep]

Two of the unsung heroes of my youth, thanks for giving us over a decade of fun and passion, both of you !

[@glensgraphix]

This has to be the pinnacle of interviews so far! There must be so many more stories to be told. Please tell me there are another 3 or 4 episodes of talking to this man to come yet. Just brilliant!

[@jonathancost4927]

The best video on your channel to date Ben, an awesome interaction and your interview technique was spot on, feeding him snippets and letting the stories flow.

[@tripprogers4814]

This is freakin *amazing* and just what we needed!! It's crazy how much Clarkson there is in Andy and conversely, How must Wilman there is in Jeremy. Please Andy, Don't shoot me in the face.

[@oggie1967]

Mr Collins, just like to say I’m really getting into your channel! Wasn’t sure to start but thinking I’m getting it & you now! This one was really enjoyable, didn’t think I’d stay for the whole vid but yeah, nice one!👍👏👏👏❤️

[@seaninherts]

Ben - thanks again for this - I’m the chap who had a go at explaining the role of an EP - possibly with some knowledge (not specifically of Top Gear btw) however, thanks to you and Andy again for this - watched again. Just really well done. PS appreciate your 23 bits too :)

[@sajjeel123]

Andy get your dirty shoes off the sofa and sit up

[@MadeoN]

He's giving Rick James vibes

[@samuelgarrod8327]

​@@MadeoNWho is Rick James?

[@piet302]

He is Andy f*cking Wilman, he can do what he wants

[@tdolan500]

@@samuelgarrod8327I’m Rick James Bish haha enjoy yo self

[@Yvolve]

@@samuelgarrod8327 Search for Charlie Murhpy's story of Rick James and you'll get it.

[@WaynesWorld69]

I started watching this 5 minutes ago but according to the video time line I've been watching for 50 minutes! Ben, you are a brilliant interviewer! Questions but didn't interrupt or talk over Andy. Fascinating interview. Back when Top Gear Australia was being filmed I got to attend 2 episodes - one in season 1 and one in season 2. At the first one I managed to be in the front row for taping the star interview. Then some producer came along and moved me and put 2 young ladies in low cut tops where I was standing. Yeah I know where I fit on TV lol.

[@tormartinbjerknes8133]

This was a real joy to listen to, looking forward to checking out part 2!

[@craigoneill4504]

Wow, that was easily the BEST interview I've ever watched period! Awesome, so relaxed and natural. Andy Wilman is a total gentleman, a real dude, awesome guy! Excellent video Ben, really awesome, more like this please! Not sure how you'll top it though! 👍😎

[@jamespickersgill8416]

That’s the longest mug of tea……red wine I’ve ever seen. Great bloke.

[@aigarscelms4593]

Dear Mr. Ben Thank you for this interview. So many interesting details was given the daylight 😃 Please do not keep 2nd part under the table for too long. Subscribed ❤

[@BenCollinsDrives]

Thank you and really glad you enjoyed - part 2 out on sunday

[@alickmwable]

Brilliant. Love a back story to something we were all so immersed in and knowing all that went into it only makes it that much better. Round 2 🤘

[@zeesiiij]

Fantastic work Ben and Kyle, such an awesome interview with Andy about some fantastic stories from Top gear and the ol' BBC days. As a young lad I loved all the Clarkson DVD's and motorworld series as education to my little mind during the 90's. I find it a tad bit ironic that your interviewing him like he described the Schumacher interview he did in Italy lol. Schumacher GBH, may he recover, we all routing for that legend. Insightful, exciting and very poignant! Can't wait for Part 2!! GO GO Ben!!! 🤣🤘

[@SimonChampagne]

This is pure gold. I can't wait for part2.

[@cam_reed]

Always great to hear from Wilman. One of the best producers out there. What he says about being an exec at the coalface is so refreshing, doing it differently, and damn well too!

[@brianmessenger]

Fantastic interview Ben, loved Wilman’s little insights into Schumacher, we don’t here enough about his human side. I also loved the quote from Wilman “you made The STIG” you should have that framed and put on the wall.

[@benjy6358]

20:38 when you realise, literally everyone is brought together by Jeremy, even carrier wise..no wonder everyone so loyal to him..and now Kaleb who almost never read books have written one..his influence still i believe..

[@MrHamlet]

Daaaamn Andy taking all sorts of jabs at Ben. Common Ben slap back. ;) The feet on the couch reminds me of Rick James skit by Dave Chapelle. Guessing it's banter between friends. Great interview though!

[@robertwiddrington]

I can't believe that you were both willing to do that, thanks so much and it is great that after everythung that happened, you can still be friends.

[@Mountain-Man-3000]

This is the best Top Gear related interview I've ever seen. Kudos to you good sir.

[@regiondeltas]

Now that's a treat, what a cracking interview

[@mymodel6]

@19:44 - "Get your fucking shoes of my sofa Wilman!"

[@RWL2012]

it's Wilman's sofa...

[@mymodel6]

@@RWL2012 Oh...

[@_j_j]

​@@RWL2012 thankyou. I just started watching and found myself looking through the comments hoping to see someone say this so I could enjoy it without thinking about it constantly. Ah neuroses

[@markhatley-k6s]

Wow, what a marvelous interview and conversation. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it and can’t wait for part 2. Thank you both for taking the time to have such a genuine conversation and allowing us to listen in!

[@GhostOfLorelei]

Listening to Wilman talk....Top Gear just makes so much more sense to me (and I think I had a decent enough understanding of it before hand).

[@0xlowlevel]

omg that was the best freaking piece of youtube I've seen since long ago. Sincere thank you, Ben! It's awesome!

[@peanuts2105]

I honestly think Top Gear has fuelled the worlds passion of cars and bought them to the forefront of peoples minds. The car scene has simply exploded on the main stage and not a subculture anymore. All these car KZbin'rs are proof they are riding the wave created by Clarkson, Wilman, Hammond, May and Collins. P.s im a fan from the early years of TG with VBH, Wilson and Needel. This means a lot to me - my childhood and now adulthood

[@YuliaFok]

I knew that Clarkson and Wilman go way back but u didn't know they knew each other since they were kids. And it makes so much sense.

[@DennisfromMunich]

I loved the bit about Schumacher. What an amazing chat, I could listen for hours!

[@MBDB666]

Finally, the interview EVERYONE has been waiting for! This was a long time coming and can't wait for part 2.

[@jopaco85]

I listened to The Stigs book while I drove across Australia. Seriously worth every penny. How Ben juggled military service, the Top gear secrecy and being a dad is such a cool story!

[@chiseledmedal2634]

As someone into editing 5:57 Wilman going in with the editors during editing is the smartest thing to do as a producer, you get to see things as they are made and actively talk instead of see a cut and be "well why..." which i think is not as efficient or helpful to editors

[@digbyfox]

Same.

[@robsometimes]

Of all the interviews I have heard about Top Gear, this is the best and most informative look behind the curtain ever. Thank You !

[@juanjo_sound]

Great interview. But.. wish someone would ask one of these guys about the genius use of music in top gear. The electronic/ breakbeat stuff in particular, used for fast driving scenes. It was just incredible. Did Wilman have a hand in this wizarding?

[@xsmogxcz]

Thanks a lot for this! So much history between you two which matters to so many of us! 😊✌️

[@lemoncake9385]

Would be brilliant to get the trio in with Andy & Yourself Ben with a chat about what happens behind the scenes n just see where chatting goes. I'd watch any length of video put out :). Loved this interview.

[@canoaslan1011]

This is so good, and insightful, there is so much to say, but this is gold. Can we please have some moooore. I'm sure there is hundreds of hours of things Top gear lovers would love to hear and find out about.

[@VixGB]

This is excellent - lovely to actually see Mr Wilman and hear him reminisce about TG and JC - incidentally, I loved Clarkson chat show - it was blowing sh*t up in microwaves and Jeremy being great 😂 Looking forward to Part 2 👍🏻

[@MuckinFental]

I love that the great man of mystery, Mr Andy Wilman, is EXACTLY what I’d imagined over the years.. in the best possible way. He doesn’t disappoint.

[@markwallington1233]

Well done Ben on persevering with a tricky character in Andy Wilman. Best interview yet, keep going.

[@werner_r]

Thanks, Ben, Andy, and Jeremy! You guys were real trendsetters decades ago for what people are trying to recreate today.

[@arthuralford]

It's rare that I sit through a nearly hour long video, but this one? I can't wait for the next part. And, good on Wilman for giving Ben deserved kudos

[@Sandhoeflyerhome]

The master and student, clever, smart, confident ... first time I have heard Wilman speak.. Like him.. You only get this comfortable and confident with great success behind you..Nice to see and hear him speak. Funny he said Alonso for Mercedes.. I said that the moment Hamilton said he was off..

[@haralamc]

Great stuff, Andy the kind of guy could imagine having a fire side chat the kind were you look at the time and realise its 5am

[@mattperry3364]

Cannot wait till part 2! What an absolutely amazing and fascinating interview! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@ytj22]

This is a jewel of a podcast for me. Incredible insight and a lot of questions answered, thanks!

[@marvingarden4587]

"Producing is being a samurai warrior." - Stanely Motss, Wag The Dog. Mr. Wilman is truly one of the great producers ever. Top Gear and Grand Tour - an amazingly creative and relentless individual.

[@joshiles]

You can tell CLARKSON has spent a long time around Mr Wilman because they have similar speech patterns & mannerisms. Even guys like me who got introduced to these guys very late I’ve gone back & watched everything at least once, glad that streaming services like freevee & Pluto are keeping it available for the younger generation to see James throw rocks & their genuine laughter. Jeremy always says he’s a genius, we all know he isn’t, but he does work with Mr Wilman who is.

[@Rick1984FL]

I’m going to be so sad when TGT is “over”. Sure we’ll have reruns, but the anticipation of a new episode with unseen shenanigans. Ben you may be the coolest racing driver of all times, but top gear/the gran tour is the coolest show about three friends futzing around with whatever of all time. Not to disparage you in any way shape or form of course. Great to see the curtain pulled aside!

[@petop8290]

The power of TG. Was looking to buy a new car. Between new Impreza WRX or a RX8. Weekend before, Jeremy had it on the show and rated it. Tried to get a test drive from a dealer and had to wait days before I could, and they said it was because of TG. Went to Bell and Covill Subaru same day and after a test drive, paid a deposit.

[@pfeventsorganiser]

Brilliant insight into the workings of Andys mind and just how close he and Jezza are, nice one Ben

[@Chobbito]

I want part 2 so bad now, that was amazing to hear how my teenhood of TV came to be and discuss how it worked. Amazing work Ben

[@chickentonight22]

I love the dynamic between yourself and Mr Wilman, can't wait for the next episode!

[@CJFerg81]

The cherry on the top of this interview: The Top Gear clips being included despite the BBC owing the footage 😃 Brilliant interview Ben. Looking forward to Part 2.

[@Lucarocks92]

The Schumacher insight was absolutely amazing what a story

[@johnnyg1700]

Absolutely Brilliant Ben, loved it. Can't wait to watch the next part. 👍