The Best of Top Gear! | The Graham Norton Show

Summary

In this entertaining talk-show segment, the stars of *Top Gear* share humorous anecdotes and personal insights. From fashion critiques by Joan, to playful jabs at each other's driving abilities, the conversation is light-hearted and full of witty banter. Highlights include a competitive driving challenge between John Bishop and the hosts, a discussion about irrational pet peeves like wooden coffee stirrers, and amusing behind-the-scenes tales from the *Top Gear* set. With plenty of laughs and relatable frustrations, the episode offers an inside look at the personalities behind the famous motoring show.

Takeaways

• 😀 Joan Rivers humorously critiques the fashion choices of the guests, highlighting her opinion on the importance of fashion and how 'you either have it or you don't.'
• 😀 James May reveals his unique ability to make both expensive and cheap clothes look 'equally crap,' showing his self-deprecating humor about his fashion sense.
• 😀 John Bishop shares his impressive performance on Top Gear, where he beat Tom Cruise's time by over a second, despite having 'zero interest in cars.'
• 😀 The hosts discuss the massive global reach of Top Gear, which airs in 170 countries, with the show reaching 83 countries by Wednesday after its premiere.
• 😀 John Bishop explains how he got involved in Top Gear, mentioning his initial screen test and competitive spirit in securing the job.
• 😀 John’s deep passion for cars is revealed, as he subscribes to numerous car magazines and has been preparing for a car-related job his entire life.
• 😀 The hosts engage in a lighthearted discussion about a 'Britain vs America' challenge involving the Reliant Robin and its infamous reputation from the show 'Only Fools and Horses.'
• 😀 Jeremy Clarkson humorously shares his controversial moments, including his infamous tweet about car registrations, which he finds amusing despite its small following.
• 😀 James May reveals his OCD tendencies, including his irrational hatred of wooden coffee stirrers and how they drive him mad, even disrupting conversations.
• 😀 The show ends with a comedic and surreal discussion about what annoys the audience, from wet handshakes to children staring, culminating in a joke about Jeremy Clarkson's polarizing personality.

Q & A

What did Joan say about fashion on the show?

Joan humorously mentioned that fashion is like herpes: either you have it, or you don't. She also noted that black clothes make everyone look thin, except Aretha Franklin, but the guest looked good nonetheless.

How did James May describe his approach to fashion?

James May admitted that he has a special ability to make both expensive and very cheap clothes look equally bad, joking that it was his 'gift.'

What is the significance of John Bishop's connection to Tom Cruise?

John Bishop and Tom Cruise both appeared on Top Gear's 'Star in a Reasonably Priced Car' segment. John Bishop set a faster lap time, beating Tom Cruise by almost two seconds.

What was John Bishop's reaction to the Top Gear racing experience?

John Bishop expressed that he had zero interest in cars, and despite this, he found the Top Gear experience fun. He joked that he should have been an F1 driver since they let you crash the cars.

What was James May's role on Top Gear, and how did he feel about the show?

James May discussed how Top Gear grew into a global sensation and mentioned the international success of the show, which airs in over 170 countries. He described his role as both exciting and overwhelming.

How did the competition between the UK and US play out on Top Gear?

In the 'Britain vs America' challenge, James May and Chris Evans raced in Reliant Rialtos. James's car repeatedly broke down, while Chris's ran smoothly, highlighting the unpredictability of their British cars.

What was the reaction to a selfie taken during the Top Gear shoot in Ireland?

While filming in Ireland, a woman took a selfie with James May and Chris Evans. She posted it on social media, and James was humorously described as looking 'genuinely happy' in the picture, despite the unusual circumstances.

How did James May handle criticism on social media?

James May shared that he occasionally tweets car registrations of drivers who annoy him, but admitted that it is mostly a playful act. He also noted he doesn't have many followers, so the impact is minimal.

What irrational hatred did James May reveal during the interview?

James May confessed to having an irrational hatred for the wooden sticks used in coffee shops, explaining that they are ineffective for stirring and make coffee an overly complicated experience.

How did the show segment on audience frustrations unfold?

The show invited the audience to share their pet peeves. Various audience members mentioned things like limp handshakes, men with cats, and children who stare, with Jeremy Clarkson humorously reacting to each complaint.