Oh no! Don’t say that! I’ve had a lot of time to pack it all in and I’ve been very lucky… I owe a tremendous debt to Top Gear because it’s put me on the map and has escalated my profile no end, it made me bigger and I am able to cherry pick what I do and do things I really believe in such as Blast Lab.

So, your CV is one I would kill for my the time I’m your age, but if the Beeb could only pay you for one show, would you stick to driving cars, watching people fail dramatically on giant obstacle courses or continue to play a mad scientist?

I don’t know! If the BBC did say that and blamed it on the credit crunch it would be rather ironic because they’re one of the few institutions that isn’t affected by it. And secondly I love each of the jobs I do, I could never choose, I really, really don’t know because they are so different shows, all of which has tremendous themes. I am very, very lucky to be able to do all of them.

There will be a whole generation who know you as ‘That bloke from Blast Lab’ now instead of ‘him from Top Gear’

I know! When we started we were planning it and we had a big meeting and we were talking about kids tv shows we watched and how much impact they had on us, there were about four that we all thought ‘oh my God, that was amazing’ so we know if we made it right people should be able to look back in 10 years time and hopefully remember it fondly.

Aww, now to touch upon your other show Total Wipeout and it seems very dangerous…

Well it’s not that dangerous for me… I just sit on a stool! Haha!

Well I was going to lead into this next question there…. Have you had a go?

Oh sorry! Haha, I have had a go yes… I got across the big red balls… it was quite easy I don’t know what the fuss is about! Haha, no on a serious note, it is very terrifying, I know people watch it and wonder what all the fuss is about, but it is scary! But it really is terrifying you know, standing on a podium with something coming towards you is horrible, so I give full credit to everyone who’s done it!

You need a celebrity version!

We’ve done one! It will be out at Christmas! Everyone wants a go… everyone stands in front of the balls thinking they can get across, but the next thing you know they take one step and they’re upside down and in the water, and that’s the joy of watching it!

So, you’re clearly best known for your role on Top Gear, which does seem like the best job in the world! Now, I’m thinking of buying a new car, so now I’ve got you on the phone, you have to tell me what to get! I really want a C3...

Well they’re nice little cars… if you like it get one on the scrap page scheme, what would you be scrapping?

A Ford Fiesta, it’s called Rob Burgandy.

But does it still work other than that?

Yes…

Well keep it! [FF: but Richard, he just keeps breaking] no! you can’t get rid of him, im going to make a campaign for you to keep Ron, leave him alone! You can get him fixed… he will cost you a lot less than replacing the car!

Aww, thanks for that Richard! I’m going to take Ron to the hospital now!

FemaleFirst - Ruth Harrison

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