Top Gear star Richard Hammond and his wife Mindy have announced their separation after nearly three decades of marriage.
The couple, who married in 2002 and share two daughters, issued a joint statement on social media confirming the end of their relationship.
“Our marriage is coming to an end, but we’ve had an amazing 28 years together and two incredible daughters,” they wrote. “We will always be in each other’s lives and are proud of the family we created. We won’t be commenting further and sincerely hope for privacy for ourselves and our children.”
The Sun reports that Mindy, 59, initiated the divorce, reportedly saying she “wanted him gone.” As part of the divorce settlement, she is seeking to keep their £7 million Bollitree Castle estate in Herefordshire, while Richard, 55, is expected to retain their Lake District holiday home and a London flat.
Mindy has also requested a share in Richard’s businesses, including his car restoration garage, Smallest Cog, and their TV production company, Chimp Productions, along with a £500,000 annual stipend.
The couple first met in 1995, and Richard previously described falling instantly in love with Mindy in his autobiography. Despite their public announcement, no third party is believed to have played a role in their separation.
Richard, known as “The Hamster” on Top Gear, has a storied career, co-hosting the hit series alongside Jeremy Clarkson and James May. His estimated net worth is £70 million, and he owns an impressive collection of cars, including a Ford Mustang, Porsche 911 Turbo S, and a 1931 Lagonda.
Their daughters, Izzy, 24, and Willow, 22, have largely stayed out of the spotlight. Izzy works with her father at Smallest Cog, while Willow is a horse enthusiast living independently.
The separation marks a significant personal change for Richard, who has faced numerous challenges throughout his career, including surviving two near-fatal crashes while filming. Despite these adversities, he has continued to thrive professionally, co-hosting The Grand Tour and other popular shows.
The Hammonds’ divorce draws a close to a long-standing relationship that, despite its challenges, brought them nearly 30 years of shared memories.
