Top Gear named test track corner after the late Sir Michael Gambon
Top Gear viewers might remember watching a whole host of A-list celebrities driving around the TV show's test track in a 'reasonably priced car'. In a segment previously hosted by Jeremy Clarkson, famous faces would face several sketchy obstacles in a bid to break the record for the fastest time.
One of the most well-known challenges in the 'star in a reasonably priced car' section as a piece of track Clarkson called 'Gambon Corner', but why was it named that? The Mirror looks at exactly what happened during an early episode of Top Gear which inspired the nickname.
Aired in December 2002, the late Sir Michael Gambon, whose sad death aged 82 was announced today, was appearing on the show as one of the first celebrity guests, racing around the Top Gear test track in a humble Suzuki Liana.
Sir Gambon appeared on Top Gear all the way back in 2002 (BBC)It would become one of the most famous episodes in the show's history, filmed before Sir Gambon was even involved with Harry Potter. The beloved actor, who passed away in hospital after contracting pneumonia, nearly crashed the car.
After almost flipping Clarkson's beloved 'reasonably priced' Suzuki, and knocking off the wing mirror, as he approached the last corner, producers thought it was only right to name the tricky track section after Sir Gambon himself.
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Formally named 'Gambon Corner', Clarkson would make reference to the bend in every episode that followed, and even invited the actor back on the show for another go at the challenge. During Sir Gambon's return, the pair discussed the newly-named bend.
"I thought I was a huge success," Michael said at the time, talking of his track performance, finishing faster than TV's Jonathan Ross and Harry Enfield. "I'm a household name now because of that corner, Gambon Corner. Everyone knows me, Judi Dench is after me."
It comes after the Harry Potter legend's family shared news of his Sir Gambon's tragic death in a statement this afternoon. Sir Michael's death was announced in a statement shared on behalf of his wife Lady Gambon and son Fergus Gambon, issued by publicist Clair Dobbs, which read: "We are devastated to announce the loss of Sir Michael Gambon.
Sir Gambon's death was announced on September 28 (Huddersfield Examiner)"Beloved husband and father, Michael died peacefully in hospital with his wife Anne and son Fergus at his bedside, following a bout of pneumonia. Michael was 82. We ask that you respect our privacy at this painful time and thank you for your messages of support and love."
In tribute, Top Gear's Jeremy Clarkson wrote: "I'm so sad to hear that Michael Gambon has died. He was hugely amusing, and such a tremendous guest, we even named a corner after him."
The Irish-born British actor's career spanned across nearly five decades, winning four BAFTAs, two RTS Awards and an Olivier. However, he is best known by Harry Potter fans for his role as Professor Albus Dumbledore in the JK Rowling series from 2004 until 2008, taking over from original actor Richard Harris following his death.
Among celebrities paying tribute include David Baddiel, who tweeted: "First time I ever went to see any Theatre with a capital T it was Michael Gambon in Brecht’s Life Of Galileo at The National in 1980. It’s still the best stage acting I’ve ever seen. RIP." While Jeremy Clarkson wrote: "I’m so sad to hear that Michael Gambon has died. He was hugely amusing, and such a tremendous guest, we even named a corner after him."
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