Former Stig still watches Top Gear

Ben Collins - who was sacked from the BBC1 motoring programme last year following a row over his desire to reveal his identity - doesn't think fans are too bothered about the fact there is now a different masked driver joining Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond on the new series.

He said: "As far as viewers go, I think the majority of people don't really understand why it was a big deal, and everyone knows it's a man in the suit, not a machine.

"So fans of the show continue to be fans of the show, I don't think it's changed its popularity at all, I certainly didn't intend it any harm and I enjoy watching it still."

While Ben is supportive of the new Stig, he thinks the latest driver should have been given a different outfit to wear, rather than his old white suit.

He added in an interview with Absolute Radio DJ Christian O'Connell: "I think the mystery continues, there's a new Stig, good luck to him or her and give them the best of luck, I think it's good that there's someone new, it could have been more fun if they'd changed the colour a bit."