Top Gear Paddy’s U-turn
Beeb puts brakes on Mcguinness for ‘test driving’ clothing range
TOP Gear host Paddy Mcguinness has been ticked off by the Beeb for breaking editorial guidelines with an ad campaign for clothes.
The TV favourite stated he was “test driving” outfits from outdoor range Revolutionrace in an Instagram post.
Mcguinness, 48, has been ordered to change the wording of the promotion as it was deemed to cash in on the motoring show’s brand. A BBC spokesman said: “The words ‘test driving’ have now been removed to bring it into line with the editorial guidelines.” The policy says: “Actors and artists who perform in BBC output should not appear in promotional work, including advertisements, in a way which mimics or replicates their on-air roles for the BBC.”
A source says that no further action will be taken against Mcguinness and it will not affect his presenting duties on the BBC motoring show.
Paddy has fronted Top Gear since 2019 alongside Chris Harris, 47, and Freddie Flintoff, 44. He is currently filming the latest series.
This not the first time a BBC personality has found themselves in hot water over the rules. DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles, 59, was dropped from a special version of the show in 2021 after starring in an ad for Shreddies.
Nick, involved with the programme for 23 years, stepped back from the Children In Need spin-off.
It clashed with a controversial ad campaign that saw him eating the breakfast cereal while dressed as a builder, complete with hard hat.
Last month, Paddy split from his wife Christine, 34, after 11 years of marriage. But they said they will still live together with their three children at the family home in Cheshire.