Richard Hammond, the former *Top Gear* presenter and one of the stars of *The Grand Tour*, 

has recently opened up about the toll his career as a male TV presenter has taken on his mental health. 

Following his shock split from his wife, Mindy, after 28 years together, Richard candidly discussed his struggles with ego, mental fitness, 

and the pressures of being in the public eye. 

The 55-year-old presenter, who had been married to Mindy since 2002, shared the news of their separation earlier this month in a joint statement, 

expressing that they would always remain a family, despite the end of their marriage. 

“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.”

This announcement came as a shock to many fans, particularly as the couple had been together for nearly three decades. Despite their separation, Richard and Mindy remain on amicable terms, co-parenting their two daughters, Izzy and Willow. The family’s strong bond was a prominent feature in their public life, but Richard has now opened up about the personal challenges that ultimately led to their breakup.

In a recent conversation with presenter Steve Jones on the *Who We Are Now* podcast, Richard made a revealing admission about the pressures he has faced throughout his television career. Reflecting on his journey as a TV presenter, he confessed that being a male in this industry has had a negative impact on his mental health. 

“As a bloke, keeping your head straight, managing your mental fitness—I think being a television presenter, especially a male one, is catastrophic,” Richard explained. “For 36 years, my male ego has been rewarded for some of the worst traits we can exhibit. I’ve been encouraged to show off, I’ve been encouraged to believe that what I’m about to say is compelling enough to hold the attention of 365 million people, that my questions are pertinent. It can be hideous.”

Richard’s candid remarks offer a rare glimpse into the often-overlooked mental health struggles faced by those in the entertainment industry. The pressure to maintain a public persona, coupled with the constant scrutiny, has clearly taken its toll on the star. Despite the public success and admiration, Richard admitted that his career has brought out some of his less desirable traits. He humorously added, “I’m perfect, of course,” before jokingly adopting a wheezy voice and saying, “Completely balanced and happy.”

The conversation took a more personal turn when Richard discussed how he copes with downtime. When Steve shared how he likes to stay busy, Richard revealed, “I hate having nothing to do because a lot of what we do in TV presenting, I think, in my case, is compensatory.” He then made a lighthearted comment about his height, admitting, “I am shorter, of course I’m shorter than you. Thank you, nature.”

His daughter Izzy, who was present during the conversation, seemed surprised by her father’s openness, asking, “Are you okay? Do you want to talk about it? You’re really revealing some stuff.”

Richard and Mindy’s relationship has not been without its challenges. In 2006, Richard was involved in a horrific car crash while filming *Top Gear*, which left him with a serious brain injury and led to a weeks-long coma. In a video shared on YouTube in 2022, Richard revealed how Mindy played a pivotal role in his recovery, recalling a “dream” he had while in the coma of walking in the Lake District. He added that he woke up just as Mindy was at his bedside, desperately shouting, “Don’t you dare die.”

While Richard has moved out of their shared home in Herefordshire, reports suggest that he had been staying in the converted barn at their Bollitree Castle estate prior to the split. There is also speculation that Mindy may have initiated divorce proceedings, but neither party has confirmed the details.

Richard’s openness about his mental health and the difficulties he has faced behind the scenes highlights the emotional challenges that many public figures endure. As he continues to navigate this personal transition, it’s clear that Richard remains focused on his family and his own well-being. Despite the end of his marriage, he remains proud of the life he built with Mindy and their daughters, and his candid reflections offer an important reminder of the pressures faced by those in the public eye.

Follow us to see more useful information, as well as to give us more motivation to update more useful information for you.