Top Gear's The Stig: Conspiracy theories over mystery driver's identity

**armthehomeless** · 13-01-2009, 12:42 PM

Top Gear's The Stig: Conspiracy theories over mystery driver's identity

The cover of The Stig, Top Gear's enigmatic speed test star, appears to have been blown, with the News of the World claiming him to be the suburban owner of an unglamorous £15,000 car.

But this is just the latest rumour in a string of apparent revelations about the identity of the shadowy figure who is only ever seen on screen disguised behind a white helmet and full racing overalls.

In 2003, the Sunday Mirror claimed to have unveiled The Stig's identity, declaring him to be ex-Formula One driver Perry McCarthy. Mr McCarthy failed to confirm the rumour at the time, only saying that he knew who The Stig was but wouldn't comment any further. It is understood that, though he has since been disclosed to have been The Stig, he has now been replaced by by the current mystery driver.

Prime suspects for the current role have included former world Formula 1 champion Damon Hill and former professional driver Julian Bailey. Other names that have been cited include racing drivers Ben Collins, Darren Turner and Allan McNish.

Even Jamiroquai singer Jay Kay claimed last year to be the mystery man. A show insider said that the singer had claimed "that he has played the part of The Stig on several occasions".

Other previous revelations include the claim that the The Stig's home is a shrine to his high-speed stunts, covered in photos of himself, with his famous suit and helmet on display in a glass cabinet.

Only this month, the owner of a Bristol photographic gallery also claimed to know the answer to one of television's best kept secrets. Roger Whitehead, the owner of 2C Gallery said that The Stig revealed his identity to him when going into the shop to print pictures of himself in full racing gear. Mr Whitehead said he was made to sign a confidentiality agreement promising never to reveal the man behind the helmet.

Following the latest revelation, a BBC source refused to shed any light on the mystery: "No one will ever officially confirm his identity."

Source.