The Stig "Top Gear Legend"

The Stig, the mystery test driver on BBC TV's Top Gear, is a married man in his 30s 'who drives a boring car' - but the conspiracy theories continue about his real identity.

Man behind the mask: The Stig is now known to be married and in his thirties
The cover of The Stig, Top Gear's enigmatic speed test star, appears to have been blown, with the News of the World claiming him to be the suburban owner of an unglamorous £15,000 car.

But this is just the latest rumour in a string of apparent revelations about the identity of the shadowy figure who is only ever seen on screen disguised behind a white helmet and full racing overalls.

In 2003, the Sunday Mirror claimed to have unveiled The Stig's identity, declaring him to be ex-Formula One driver Perry McCarthy. Mr McCarthy failed to confirm the rumour at the time, only saying that he knew who The Stig was but wouldn't comment any further. It is understood that, though he has since been disclosed to have been The Stig, he has now been replaced by by the current mystery driver.

Prime suspects for the current role have included former world Formula 1 champion Damon Hill and former professional driver Julian Bailey. Other names that have been cited include racing drivers Ben Collins, Darren Turner and Allan McNish.

Even Jamiroquai singer Jay Kay claimed last year to be the mystery man. A show insider said that the singer had claimed "that he has played the part of The Stig on several occasions".

Other previous revelations include the claim that the The Stig's home is a shrine to his high-speed stunts, covered in photos of himself, with his famous suit and helmet on display in a glass cabinet.

Only this month, the owner of a Bristol photographic gallery also claimed to know the answer to one of television's best kept secrets. Roger Whitehead, the owner of 2C Gallery said that The Stig revealed his identity to him when going into the shop to print pictures of himself in full racing gear. Mr Whitehead said he was made to sign a confidentiality agreement promising never to reveal the man behind the helmet.

Following the latest revelation, a BBC source refused to shed any light on the mystery: "No one will ever officially confirm his identity." (from telegraphponline)

Stig "He's the Man"

I know who he is its Steve19 but don't tell anyone.

It has since been claimed that the BBC employs at least three other drivers in the role.

But questions were raised as to whether he is the only Stig after pictures emerged showing a different man attending the National Television Awards at the Royal Albert Hall in London on October 29 last year dressed as The Stig.

He was later identified as going by the name of “Will”.

The Daily Mail newspaper has also quoted a Top Gear source claiming that Julian Bailey, a 47 year-old formula one driver who raced with Tyrrell and Lotus teams, has also been The Stig.

The source added that further possible Stigs are rumoured to take over when the other drivers’ schedules were full.

A source said: “Look at the pictures of the Stigs from show to show. In some he looks a lot taller than others. People have become obsessed with finding who the Stig is but they have not considered that it is possible that it is more than one person.”

Well Steve19 is one of them....lol

I knew it

Now you come to mention it ....

chops and changes all the time... When Hamster had his crash there was an investigation (you'll find it on the net) it bascilly names the stig that was there at the time.

The Stig gives his 1st ever press conference.

LINKEY

Love it .. :-)