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Top Gear Jeremy Clarkson

Top Gear accused of faking riverside hovercraft stunt

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By John Glenday, Reporter

July 30, 2013 | 1 min read

A Top Gear stunt in which Jeremy Clarkson, James May Richard Hammond took the helm of a customised hovercraft and left a trail of chaos in their wake along the River Avon has been labelled a ‘fake’ after an actor employed in the scene revealed all.

Broadcast last week the programme showed a rowing boat capsize and diners at a nearby restaurant having their meal interrupted as the ungainly vehicle barrelled down the genteel Warwickshire river.

Unbeknownst to viewers however these scenes were staged and the angry citizenry shown were all actors – and Clarkson took several attempts to successfully spray his targets .

In his online blog actor Michael Bott explained how he had been directed to appear as if nonchalantly enjoying lunch before he was drenched in water and had his table overturned by a blast of air from the passing vehicle.

Bott then took to his feet in synthetic fury for the cameras.

The BBC declined to comment on the allegations but has conceded in the past that certain stunts were faked on the long-running entertainment programme.

Top Gear Jeremy Clarkson

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