After months of speculation and quiet scrutiny, Richard Hammond has finally spoken out about his split from wife Mindy Etheridge — choosing to confront the rumours surrounding their divorce on his own terms.
The former Top Gear star, 55, announced earlier this year that his marriage to journalist Mindy, 60, had come to an end after what they described as “28 amazing years together.” Now, Hammond says the time felt right to acknowledge the change — and then move on.
‘We Wanted To Get It Out Of The Way’
Speaking candidly on Good Morning Britain, Hammond revealed that the new series of Richard Hammond’s Workshop opens with a brief but deliberate reference to his personal life.
Asked by Susanna Reid whether the show directly addresses his divorce, Hammond didn’t hesitate.
“We wanted to get that out of the way and done,” he said.
“Because I got divorced this year.”
He explained that the moment is acknowledged simply — before the focus returns to the workshop itself.
“At the beginning, we say there’s been a few changes to the workshop,” he added,
“and a little bit of a change to my situation — and then we move on from that very quickly.”
The honesty, viewers noted, felt understated — not dramatic, but resolute.
Addressing the Rumours
The split had reignited headlines after reports suggested Mindy believed Hammond had grown close to a younger colleague before the marriage officially ended.
Hammond was clear — and firm — in his response.
“That can’t be called betrayal,” he said.
“At that time, we were already living separately and had accepted the marriage was over.”
“There were no secrets. No lies,” he added.
“Just two people who had grown apart.”
It was a calm rebuttal — one that reframed the narrative away from scandal and towards separation.
‘An Amazing 28 Years’
Earlier this year, the former couple released a joint statement confirming their decision to part ways.
“Our marriage is coming to an end,” it read,
“but we’ve had an amazing 28 years together and two incredible daughters.”
“We will always be in each other’s lives and are proud of the family we created.”
While sources have suggested it was Mindy who ultimately decided to end the marriage, Hammond insisted the choice was mutual.
“That’s a decision we took together,” he said.
“The statement we put out still stands.”
Reflecting on the shift, he added simply:
“I’m 55. Things change. That’s what happens at this age. Big things change.”
Looking Forward — Not Back
During the interview, Hammond also touched on the future of Top Gear, insisting the iconic show would eventually return — even if not with him at the helm.
“It’s over 40 years old,” he said.
“We were just temporary custodians.”
He also spoke with empathy about recovery and resilience, referencing both his own near-fatal 2006 crash and former co-star Freddie Flintoff’s serious accident in 2022.
“I really felt for Freddie,” Hammond said.
“I’ve been there. Recovery takes time.”
A New Chapter
After a turbulent year, Richard Hammond appears determined to move forward without bitterness — or spectacle.
“There’s been change,” he said quietly.
“But that’s life. You move forward.”
As Richard Hammond’s Workshop returns, the presenter seems ready to close one chapter — and begin the next with clarity, dignity, and no unfinished business left unsaid.
