Jeremy Charles Robert Clarkson (born 11 April 1960) - English television presenter, journalist and writer, who specialises in cars. Mainly known for his role in the BBC's Top Gear TV show where his co-presenters are Richard Hammond and James May. He also writes a weekly column for The Sunday Times and The Sun. Clarkson has risen from being a local journalist in the North of England to become an influential celebrity as the main presenter in Top Gear's original format in 1988. From the mid-1990's, Clarkson became a well-known personality, regularly appearing on British television both in his own show and as a guest on other shows. As well as programmes about cars, Clarkson has been involved in programmes and books about other subjects such as history and engineering. Between 1998 and 2000, he also hosted his own talk show, Clarkson. His opinionated rhetoric and performing style, though delivered with a sense of humour, often provoked outrage in society. Both his personal activities and those in his capacity as the main Top Gear presenter, sometimes led to criticism on the part of the mass media, politicians, pressure groups and the public. He also attracted a considerable public following, and is recognised as being a major factor in the revitalisation of Top Gear, one of the most popular shows on BBC.