Richard Hammond and James May spark frenzy as they return to Top Gear

In a dramatic return to the scene of their former glories, ex- stars and unleashed a wave of nostalgia by stepping back onto the iconic set. The duo, who became household names alongside , captured their sentimental journey in a video that has since gone viral, titled, Hammond & May FINALLY Return to Top Gear HQ, on May’s YouTube channel, James May’s Planet Gin.

Introducing the clip, May wrote to fans: “For reasons that are still unclear, Richard Hammond and I decided to revisit the old Top Gear office—the place where we spent an alarming number of years faffing about in the name of car-based television. It’s been nearly a decade since we were last here, although now it feels like yesterday.” The pair humorously described the set as “horrific,” but it was clear that each corner of their old workplace was brimming with memories.

May vividly shared anecdotes with his viewers, one of which recounted how they would spy on the studio audience before shows. “Quite often we’d go down those steps to go to the studio – they’d all be waiting in there,” he reminisced.

He further revealed their cheeky pre-show antics: “Actually, what we used to do was come out here or to the windows in the next bit and watch the queue going in and decide whether or not we liked the look of them.”

May elaborated on the familiar routine of getting ready for the camera, sharing: “And we always had to have it done here when the audience could see us. And it was like ‘Ha, you’ve got make up on.’ Well yeah, I’m going under the studio lights, you have to!”

The duo also hinted at a mysterious “game” they played behind the scenes, stirring curiosity among fans.

“And we used to… I don’t know if we can talk about this,” May teased, turning to Hammond, who burst into laughter.

“Yes!” Hammond exclaimed, before quickly deciding, “No… no, you can’t [talk about it].” May concurred: “We won’t talk about that,” keeping the secret firmly within the walls of the studio.

Fans were elated to the see the dup back on their old stomping grounds.

“The best show that the has ever lost. I will not change my mind on that,” gushed one fan in the comments.

“TG was my whole childhood growing up and what made me the petrolhead I am today. I sincerely thank Jeremy, James and Richard for all they have done for more than 2 decades, and wish them nothing but the best in what is essentially their retirement. I will forever cherish the memories,” a second fan added.

Another even admitted to feeling “emotional”, penning: “That was emotional. Both for James & Richard and for us. I’m sure I’m not the only one when I say that Top Gear wasn’t just a TV show, it was an integral part of my childhood.”