Press barred from High Court as BBC fights to keep The Stig's identity under wraps
The BBC today went to court in an attempt to keep the identity of Top Gear's mystery driver The Stig secret.
The battle to prevent him being unmasked in a book was being held behind closed doors at the High Court. If the BBC loses, the licence payer will foot an estimated six-figure bill.
The case is taking place before Mr Justice Morgan who agreed with the BBC's lawyers that it should be heard in private.
He is being asked to grant an interim injunction preventing publication of the book before a full hearing. Publisher HarperCollins aims to release an autobiography revealing The Stig's identity on September 16.
The driver, who is always hidden behind a black visor on screen, has become a huge favourite with the millions of "petrolheads" who watch the show around the world. The BBC claims he is bound by a confidentiality agreement and releasing his name would spoil viewers' enjoyment of the programme which has made the BBC millions of pounds.
The Stig takes to the track in an assortment of cars as well as training people to set lap times in the programme's "star in a reasonably priced car" segment.
The driver's identity has long been a closely guarded secret and has spawned T-shirts emblazoned with slogans such as "My Dad Is The Stig".
His identity is known only to a handful of TV executives and Top Gear presenters Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May.
Rumours have been rife across the internet that former Formula One world champions such as Damon Hill and Michael Schumacher have been the mystery man. Most recently racing driver Ben Collins, who has been a stunt double in James Bond films, has also been suggested.
The current Stig has been in the job since 2003 when the first Stig, Perry McCarthy, was dropped after his identity was uncovered.
HarperCollins have stated that it would vigorously defend its right to publish the book and criticised the BBC for using licence fee money to block publication.
A spokesman said: "We are disappointed that the BBC has chosen to spend licence fee payers money to suppress this book and will vigorously defend the perfectly legitimate right of this individual to tell his story."
