Richard Hammond and James May shock fans with 'emotional' Top Gear reunion at old set

Former Top Gear presenters Richard Hammond and James May made a dramatic return to the iconic BBC set where they once delighted audiences.

The pair documented their sentimental visit in a video that has since become an internet sensation, titled Hammond & May FINALLY Return to Top Gear HQ. However, the mini documentary on James May's Planet Gin YouTube channel was notable for not featuring one third of the famous trio – Jeremy Clarkson.

In a blurb on the video's bio, James wrote: "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."

Despite humorously referring to the set as "horrific," it was evident that the location was filled with poignant memories for both.

Richard recalled how they would secretly observe the studio audience before filming commenced. "Quite often we'd go down those steps to go to the studio – they'd all be waiting in there," he said nostalgically.

James later added: "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."

As the tour of the old haunt went on, Richard was then surprised to see the state of the former make-up room, reports the Express. He said of their pre-set routine: "We always had to have it done here where the audience could see you as you were filing in.

"And it was like 'Ha! You've got make-up on! Haha!' Well, yeah, I'm going under the studio lights, you have to!"

The pair also playfully hinted at a secret "game" they engaged in off-camera, piquing the interest of their followers.

"And we used to... I don't know if we can talk about this," James said with a mischievous air.

"Yes!" Richard blurted out, only to reconsider with a swift: "No... no, you can't [talk about it]."

James agreed, adding: "We won't talk about that," ensuring the mystery remained behind the scenes.

Fans were thrilled to witness the duo revisiting their former haunt. One person reacted: "The best show that the BBC has ever lost. I will not change my mind on that."

Another follower commented: "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."

One viewer even shared a touching confession of sentimentality: "That was emotional. Both for James and 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."

All series of Top Gear from 2002 onwards are available to stream on BBC iPlayer