Country of origin United Kingdom Original network BBC Two | No. of episodes 10 | |
Starring Jeremy Clarkson
Jason Dawe
Richard Hammond Original release 20 October (2002-10-20) – 29 December 2002 (2002-12-29) | ||
The first series of the relaunched motoring show Top Gear, was broadcast in the United Kingdom on BBC Two during 2002 and consisted of 10 episodes, beginning on 20 October and concluding on the 29 December. It was presented by Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and Jason Dawe, but while Clarkson and Hammond would be permanent hosts up until the end of Series 22, Dawe was a host until the conclusion of the series, whereupon he was axed from the show.
Production
Following the cancellation of the original format of Top Gear in December 2001, previous format presenters Jeremy Clarkson and Andy Wilman decided to revive the show in a different format for the following year. These new changes included the use of television studio segments and challenges, and a revamped presentation of reviews, unlike the previous show which focused on the production of cars. Clarkson later announced that he would present the new show, with Wilman serving as executive producer, whilst motoring journalists Richard Hammond and Jason Dawe joined as the new presenters, both of whom had not hosted the previous format.
Clarkson explained in late 2015 that he originally wanted James May to join him on the hosting line-up, but that May didn't feel that the new format could be successful and declined, leading to Dawe being recruited. When May learnt about the ratings for the first series, he decided to join the show for its second series, leading to Dawe being axed shortly afterwards.