Jeremy Clarkson’s bust-up with the BBC has proved to be priceless PR for the launch of the French version of Top Gear, with the first episode proving to be the best-rated show in its broadcaster’s history, reports The Guardian.
The French version of the show, presented by a racing car driver, comedian and journalist, debuted on Wednesday night and proved a smash hit for minor channel RMC Découverte.
The first episode aired at 8.45pm attracting 925,000 viewers, peaking at 1.1 million, a huge hit given the channel slot’s previous biggest audience for a show was 480,000.
Top Gear France’s second episode followed and managed to retain 85% of the audience, averaging 793,000 viewers.
Top Gear France received a huge publicity boost following Clarkson’s suspension for a “fracas” with a producer, with Le Figaro calling the show a “televised monument”.
The French version of the show is presented by Philippe Lellouche, who takes the Clarkson role, with racing driver Bruce Jouanny and journalist Yann Larret-Menzo following in the footsteps of James May and Richard Hammond.
There is even Le Stig, the French version of the white-suited racing driver from the British version.
Last week Lellouche told a newspaper that the pre-launch headlines made by Clarkson had provided “le buzz” for the French show at precisely the right time.