Tom Ross (producer)

[1] Born in Glasgow and educated at Hutchesons' Boys' Grammar School he gained a master's degree in history from the University of Glasgow.He began his BBC career as a News Trainee in London - part of an intake of six trainee journalists that included David Davies, later Executive Director of the Football Association, and Brian Hanrahan the BBC Correspondent famous for the "I Counted Them Out, I Counted Them Back" report during the Falklands War.

[4] producing one of its highest rated shows live from the aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal in the English Channel.

A number of new faces were introduced over these years including Tiff Needell, Tom Boswell and, most famously, Jeremy Clarkson.

[6] The Top Gear team also produced coverage of the bi-annual British International Motor Show which alternated with London Motorfair.

Presented by William Woollard with reports from Barrie Gill and Tony Mason the programmes developed a loyal audience despite frequent attempts by BBC bosses to kill it.