2016 Offbeat

After 14 years, BBC’s Fifth Gear could throw in the towel

May 30, 2016June 6, 2016 Chris Chin 2016, BBC, Fifth Gear, Shows, Tiff Needell, tv

Top Gear’s more sensible and consumer-focused sister show, Fifth Gear, the one that former Top Gear host, Tiff Needell is in charge of, has been on the air nearly as long as the second generation of Top Gear, the one we’ve come to love with Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May. On a side note however, May was not apart of the original reboot of Top Gear in 2002, as his position was first filled by Jason Dawe, before May took Dawe’s place.

Fifth Gear however came to existence as a spin-off of Top Gear when the program was given a refresh as Top Gear was geared more towards entertainment while Fifth Gear dealt with more consumer-based and relatable content.

Now, after 14 years of production, some hints have surfaced from host, Tiff Needell, suggesting that Fifth Gear could be on its way out.

“After an unbroken run of 29 years presenting either Top Gear or Fifth Gear it feels weird not to have any filming dates in my diary!”

Those hints were then followed by some pretty firm statements that the BBC has not renewed the contracts for the show, meaning that it won’t be around for much longer. Needell also elaborating, stating that funding was the primary problem with trying to get Fifth Gear back on schedule.

Needell, while the lead host, is also accompanied by cohosts Vicki Henderson and Jonny Smith.

After an unbroken run of 29 years presenting either Top Gear or Fifth Gear it feels weird not to have any filming dates in my diary!

— Tiff Needell (@tiff_tv) May 22, 2016

So busy enjoying Mille Miglia forgot to point out @FifthGearTV on @ITV4 on Friday was last one ever recorded. And no news of any more …

— Tiff Needell (@tiff_tv) May 22, 2016