THE original Stig has wished his former Top Gear mates well as they embark on their new motoring series.

Former Basildon College pupil Perry McCarthy, the first driver to play the role of the Stig on Top Gear, believes the Grand Tour, presented by Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May, will be a roaring success.

Perry, who used to live in Billericay and now lives in Mountnessing, said: “Judging by their past collaborative experience I’m positive they will go on to produce something which is fantastic viewing.”

The show is the first to be fronted by the trio since Clarkson was sacked by the BBC.

Perry added: “I thought it was a mistake the way the BBC handled it. But it was lovely the way Richard and James chose to leave Top Gear because of their loyalty to their friend and it has led to the opportunity for a new creative show.”

Perry also believes Chris Evans, who presented the show for one series, was “just too excitable” but added that Matt Le Blanc, former Friends star, who co-hosted the show, was an “absolute star”.

The Grand Tour is available to stream now on Amazon Prime.