British television presenter Richard Hammond shocked fans worldwide by announcing his separation from wife Mindy after 28 years together. The 55-year-old Top Gear and Grand Tour star released a joint statement confirming their marriage has “come to an end”. The couple’s split marks the conclusion of one of television’s most enduring partnerships.
Joint Statement Confirms Amicable Separation
Richard Hammond and Amanda “Mindy” Hammond announced their divorce through a carefully worded statement on social media platform X. The former motoring show host explained that whilst their family spent Christmas together, the new year would bring structural changes. Their announcement emphasised continued family unity despite marital separation.
The couple’s statement read: “Our marriage is coming to end, but we’ve had an amazing 28 years together and two incredible daughters”. Richard Hammond and Mindy stressed their pride in the family they created whilst requesting privacy during this transition period. They confirmed they would “always be in each other’s lives” moving forward.
The 55-year-old presenter and 59-year-old columnist deliberately kept their announcement brief and dignified. Sources close to Richard Hammond revealed he was “very upset” about the split but acknowledged his efforts to save the marriage had failed. The separation appears entirely amicable with no third-party involvement reported.
British media praised the couple’s mature approach to announcing their divorce publicly. Their joint statement demonstrated mutual respect whilst protecting their daughters’ privacy throughout this difficult period.
Property Settlement Centres on £7 Million Castle
The divorce settlement focuses heavily on their impressive Herefordshire estate, Bollitree Castle. The Grade II listed property spans six acres and includes luxury amenities such as a swimming pool. Mindy Hammond reportedly seeks to retain the £7 million castle as part of their divorce agreement.
Richard Hammond has relocated to a renovated barn on the same estate during the separation proceedings. The irony of the former castle resident now living in its shadow has not escaped media attention. This temporary arrangement allows him to remain close to his restoration business, The Smallest Cog.
The presenter previously described their home humorously, saying it’s “not grand and it isn’t really a castle”. He explained it was simply “a house, with some bits of castle nailed to it” rather than a particularly massive residence. However, the property’s £7 million valuation suggests otherwise.
Richard Hammond purchased significant assets throughout their marriage, including multiple properties in Herefordshire, London, and reportedly Oxfordshire. The couple’s substantial wealth accumulated from his successful television career spanning over two decades.
Career Pressures and Life-Altering Accidents
Richard Hammond’s television career brought both success and significant strain to their marriage through dangerous stunts and life-threatening accidents. His 2006 Top Gear dragster crash left him in a two-week coma with severe brain injuries. Mindy provided unwavering support during his recovery, despite the trauma of potentially losing her husband.
The presenter suffered another serious crash in 2017 whilst filming The Grand Tour in Switzerland. Richard Hammond later described calling Mindy from beside the burning wreckage as his “worst moment.” He apologised for “doing it again” whilst being strapped to a stretcher beside an air ambulance.
Mindy’s patience with Richard Hammond’s dangerous career appeared to diminish following repeated near-fatal accidents. Friends noted she craved stability after enduring years of worry about his high-risk television work. The presenter’s relentless pursuit of dangerous stunts gradually created distance between them.
Richard Hammond acknowledged in interviews that Mindy’s tolerance for his risky behaviour was “running dry”. After surviving two near-fatal crashes, she feared a third incident might prove fatal for both their marriage and her husband.
The Smallest Cog Business Venture
In 2020, Richard Hammond invested nearly half a million pounds of personal money into establishing The Smallest Cog restoration business. He sold prized vehicles, including his beloved Porsche 911, to fund the startup near their Herefordshire home. This venture aimed to create meaningful work outside his television commitments.
Initially, Mindy supported the restoration business project, pleased to see Richard Hammond pursuing safer endeavours. However, the struggling enterprise demanded excessive hours whilst failing to generate significant profits. The presenter found himself working intense schedules at home before flying off to film Grand Tour specials.
The irony became apparent to Mindy as Richard Hammond now spent more time at home than ever before, yet remained consumed by business obsessions. His dual commitments to The Smallest Cog and television work created new pressures within their relationship. The restoration workshop features prominently in his Discovery+ series Richard Hammond’s Workshop.
Richard Hammond continues operating The Smallest Cog despite the marital separation, recently acquiring Grand Tour cars for restoration projects. The business represents his attempt to establish independence from traditional television presenting whilst maintaining his automotive passion.
Family Life and Parenting Priorities
The couple share two daughters, Isabella “Izzy” aged 24 and Willow aged 22. Both parents emphasise their commitment to maintaining family unity despite marital separation. Richard Hammond co-hosts the podcast “Who We Are Now With Izzy & Richard” focusing on men’s mental health and modern parenting challenges.
The Hammond family featured prominently in Richard Hammond’s Workshop television series. Their daughters largely grew up away from media spotlight thanks to deliberate parental efforts to maintain normal family life. The divorce announcement undoubtedly proved difficult for both young women.
Sources suggest Izzy and Willow have provided incredible support for both parents during this transition. When Richard Hammond survived his 2017 crash, Izzy lovingly called him “an idiot” from relief rather than anger. This demonstrates the close family relationships that will continue beyond the marriage.
Richard Hammond and Mindy remain determined to present a united front for their daughters’ benefit. They plan to coordinate birthdays, holidays, and life milestones as a supportive co-parenting team throughout the divorce proceedings.
Public Reaction and Media Response
Richard Hammond’s divorce announcement stunned millions of fans across Britain and internationally. Social media responses expressed shock at the separation whilst praising the couple’s dignified approach. Many followers appreciated their commitment to remaining family despite marital changes.
British newspapers covered the story extensively, with most outlets respecting the family’s privacy requests. The Sun reported exclusive details about property settlements whilst other publications focused on Richard Hammond’s career achievements. Media coverage generally avoided sensationalising their personal difficulties.
Reddit discussions among Grand Tour fans showed overwhelming support for Richard Hammond during this challenging period. Many users hoped the couple would maintain friendship whilst acknowledging the difficulty of their situation. Fans appreciated their mature approach to public announcements.
The presenter’s recent joke about his divorce during The Not Very Grand Tour episode demonstrated his characteristic humour. Richard Hammond quipped about not having to “marry whoever lives next door,” showing his ability to find levity despite personal pain.
Professional Collaborations and New Projects
Richard Hammond recently launched Ratio Gin and Iron Ridge Whisky through his partnership with Hawkridge Distillers. This spirits venture represents another business diversification beyond television and car restoration. The products debuted at DriveTribe Live 2025, supported by his loyal fanbase.
His collaboration with Jeremy Clarkson and James May officially ended with The Grand Tour’s final episode in September 2024. The trio concluded their 22-year partnership after creating 46 episodes across eight years on Amazon Prime Video. Richard Hammond expressed excitement about watching future presenters continue the franchise.
Richard Hammond participated in the Silverstone Festival’s Royal Automobile Club Historic Tourist Trophy race in August 2025. He competed in a 1961 Austin-Healey 3000 alongside experienced driver Patrick Blakeney-Edwards. This racing appearance featured in his upcoming Richard Hammond’s Workshop series.
The presenter continues developing The Not Very Grand Tour compilation series featuring highlights from his Grand Tour tenure. These episodes showcase the best moments from his partnership with Clarkson and May whilst providing nostalgic content for devoted fans.
Looking Forward: New Beginnings at 55
Richard Hammond faces the challenge of rebuilding his personal life at 55 whilst maintaining his professional commitments and business ventures. Sources describe him as resilient despite the emotional difficulty of ending such a long marriage. His characteristic humour helps mask deeper pain whilst demonstrating genuine strength.
The presenter maintains support from longtime colleagues Jeremy Clarkson and James May during this transition period. Their friendship extends beyond professional collaboration, providing personal encouragement throughout his divorce proceedings. Richard Hammond values these relationships as he navigates major life changes.
His relocation to the estate barn provides temporary stability whilst longer-term arrangements develop. This modest accommodation contrasts sharply with his previous castle residence but offers independence and proximity to The Smallest Cog workshop. The arrangement suits his current circumstances perfectly.
Richard Hammond expressed philosophical acceptance about life’s unexpected turns throughout recent interviews. His experience surviving two near-fatal accidents provides perspective on overcoming personal challenges. The presenter approaches his divorce with characteristic determination to rebuild successfully.
Did You Know?
Richard Hammond fell in love with Mindy “instantly” when they met at a London PR agency in 1995, describing her as his “soul-mate and best friend for life” in his 2007 memoir.
The Richard Hammond divorce represents more than celebrity gossip, highlighting how career pressures and life-threatening incidents can strain even the strongest relationships. Their 28-year partnership survived numerous challenges before ultimately reaching an irreconcilable endpoint.
Did You Know?
After his 2006 coma, Richard Hammond initially didn’t recognise Mindy, telling her “You’re lovely, but you’re not my wife” before claiming his wife was French.
Richard Hammond continues demonstrating resilience whilst adapting to major life changes at 55. His ability to find humour in difficult circumstances, combined with strong family relationships and professional success, suggests positive prospects for this new chapter.
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