The Stig to get the boot?
For years now, the Stig has come to stand for everything that is good, wise and undefeatable on four wheels.
But ever since the reboot of the classic BBC show, his personality and identity have been shrouded in mystery, and permanently blocked by his ubiquitous black-out safety helmet.
Fights over his anonymity has resulted in a contentious dispute with the legal department of the BBC.
With the Top Gear star set to release an autobiography, came news that BBC is trying to stifle any release of information that may destroy the illusion of mystery. The Stig's lawyers say this move is in violation of his basic human rights, reports The Telegraph.
The Stig is reportedly unhappy that other presenters are able to earn large sums of money from book deals and promotions from which he is barred.
The broadcaster has cited a breach of confidentiality agreement, if any "sensitive" material were to be released.
A BBC insider said: "This is absolutely about confidentiality. These are such unusual circumstances because he is anonymous."
Only Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, James May and senior BBC execs are aware of the Stig's real identity.
See the clip below, from when the Stig was "revealed" in a blaze of publicity last year...
Update: following the ongoing legal drama, the Stig has been "outed" as Formula 3 racing driver, Ben Collins.
i agree that who ever is the stig shouldnt be stopped from being able to publish a book but one of the best bits about the character is the fact that you dont know who it is until they decide to retire.
I completely agree with The Stig - why should he be barred from earning huge amounts of money while the other three jump on any chance to get their smarmy faces on TV? There's no need for the anonymity anymore - it's not that big a deal and it's no longer interesting.