BBC drafts in 'Big Stig' to push Top Gear launch
The BBC has drafted in some help from one of Top Gear's most recognisable, albeit mysterious, drivers to help drum up interest ahead of the reformed show's launch on Sunday 29 May.
The reboot, which will feature Chris Evans and Matt LeBlanc as hosts, unveiled its first trailer over a month ago, and now the latest PR stunt for the show has blown its iconic Stig racer up to giant proportions, and positioned him outside BBC Broadcasting House.
Top Gear shared news of the promotion on Twitter, saying: "They call him #BigStig".
Those passing by were quick to give their views on the 30 ft tall model, which courted a mixed reaction from fans.
Did Chris Evans not want a statue?#TopGear #stig pic.twitter.com/GTJf30FN1R
— Louise Cooper (@Louiseaileen70) May 18, 2016
Good to see those #BBC savings are biting. https://t.co/oYPObOxxVm — Mark Valencia (@MarkValencia) May 18, 2016
The Stig's taller than I expected, how does he fit in a Ferrari? #bbc #topgear topgear https://t.co/EPlX3aYKpv
— Phil Coomes (@philcoomes) May 18, 2016
A giant Stig formed of BBC recipe print-outs? https://t.co/tVAFMr1tnX — Julian Druker (@Julian5News) May 17, 2016
Jumped by The Stig this morning @BBC_TopGear this better be good... pic.twitter.com/yQZy1DRQRQ
— Bex Grisedale-Sherry (@x_ray_bex) May 18, 2016
The all-new Top Gear has not been without its controversies, so far the team has been forced to apologise for filming around the London Whitehall Cenotaph and faced accusations of onset bullying.