Fiona Bruce’s Unlikely Feud with Jeremy Clarkson and Her Clever Comeback

Fiona Bruce’s Unusual Feud with Jeremy Clarkson and Her Clever Revenge

Fiona Bruce has long been recognized as a key figure at the BBC, commanding prime-time attention with her acclaimed roles on shows like Question Time and Antiques Roadshow. Her steady presence and professionalism have made her a familiar face to British viewers, interacting with a diverse range of personalities from top politicians to Hollywood celebrities.

Yet, not every star she’s met has left a positive impression. In 2007, Bruce made a notable appearance on Top Gear, hosted by the notoriously outspoken Jeremy Clarkson. Their interaction soon became notorious itself—not for cars, but for Clarkson’s offhand comment as Bruce helped him out of a notoriously cramped Peel P50 vehicle, the smallest production car in the world. Clarkson, in his usual style, muttered, “She has got quite a nice bottom. I said that out loud, didn’t it?” At the time, Bruce was unaware of the comment.

The story didn’t end there. On her next visit to Top Gear alongside fellow presenter Kate Silverton, Bruce famously turned the tables on Clarkson during the “Star in a Reasonably Priced Car” segment. While fans watched, she playfully slapped Clarkson on the bottom, quipping that it “needs a bit of work.” This lighthearted, yet pointed, act of revenge quickly became a memorable Top Gear moment and highlighted Bruce’s wit and ability to handle such situations with style.

Bruce’s revenge wasn’t confined to live television. Later, she was invited to temporarily take over Clarkson’s car review column in The Sunday Times. She opened her piece with a pointed nod to the earlier incident: “[I’m] Perching my bottom, nice or otherwise, on his patch.” This clever line underscored her ability to reclaim the narrative in her own way and showcased her sense of humor.

Public reaction to the original Top Gear exchange was significant. Notably, two years after the episode aired, Bruce was named female Rear of the Year—a title she dismissed as “demeaning.” The lingering focus on her appearance rather than her achievements frustrated Bruce, hinting at broader issues of how women in the media are often discussed.

When asked about the incident years later by the Radio Times, Bruce briskly cut off conversation about smacking Clarkson, signaling her preference to let bygones be bygones and focus instead on her substantial accomplishments as a broadcaster.

Fiona Bruce’s handling of her feud with Jeremy Clarkson reflects her signature mix of professionalism and sharp wit. She didn’t let a flippant remark define her—choosing instead to respond creatively and on her own terms, both on screen and in print. Her response stands as a model for turning uncomfortable moments into opportunities for dignity and humor.

For more context on Fiona Bruce’s career at the BBC, visit the official BBC Question Time page. Insights into the original Top Gear segments can be found on the BBC’s Top Gear homepage. To read about her time presenting Antiques Roadshow, see the BBC’s official Antiques Roadshow page. For more about Jeremy Clarkson, you can check his biography and recent work on The Sunday Times. If you’re interested in the challenges women face in media, consider this BBC guide on gender and broadcasting.