Jeremy Clarkson's mother Shirley made a fortune creating a VERY recognisable toy - and she claims he wouldn't have a career without it
The Clarkson's Farm star, 65, received the first ever Paddington Bear prototype after his mother handmade the toys as a present for her young children.
After the toys were admired by friends, Shirley and her husband Eddie began making unofficial teddies in the 1970s and selling them in local shops.
However, Paddington Bear author Michael Bond heard about them being sold without his knowledge and considered trying to sue the couple for copyright infringement.
But a chance meeting between Michael and the Clarksons in a lift where they were introduced by a mutual acquaintance brought a resolution to the conflict.
From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop.
During the conversation the two parties struck a deal which meant that they were able to continue manufacturing and selling the Paddington Bear toys.
Revealing how they made an agreement that suited both sides, he told the Sunday Times last year: 'I got in the lift with Shirley and Eddie.
'They were terribly nice and pretended it had all been a mistake - and we were friends by the time we got out of the lift. I gave them a licence.'
Shirley previously confessed that her son Jeremy might not have the successful TV career he has today without her innovation.
She told AutoTrader: 'Without Paddington Bear, Jeremy might not have carved out his star-studded path on TV.'
The benefits of their business allowed the couple to enrol Jeremy in top private schools Hill House School in Doncaster and Repton School in Derbyshire.
The Paddington Bear website says: 'The very first Paddington bear soft toy was designed in the UK by a lady called Shirley Clarkson. She made it as a Christmas present for her children, Joanna and Jeremy Clarkson (who was to go on to become a world famous motoring journalist).
'So many people admired Shirley's Paddington that she started to make some more until her company, Gabrielle Designs and was granted an official licence to sell them in the UK in 1972.'
Following his privileged upbringing, Jeremy trained as a journalist and began working in local news before working on Top Gear magazine.
He then started filming for the old Top Gear programme on the BBC in the 1990s before masterminding the 2001 reboot alongside James May and Richard Hammond.
Last week it was revealed that the Clarkson's grade II-listed family home had gone up for sale for a hefty £1.5 million.
Rowland Bridge House in the historic market town of Tickhill, in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, features five bedrooms, three bathrooms, four reception rooms, and a 'large living kitchen'.
The home is located just a few miles away from the former Top Gear presenter's childhood school, the prestigious Hill House School.
The two-floor property, which features a walled south-facing garden and orangery, has waterside views over a large duck pond.
The 5,000 square-foot home, which is just two hours from London by public transport, has now gone on the market with a guide price of £1,475,000.
Lister Haigh's Nick Talbot said: 'It's a magnificent family home in the highly sought after, historic and picturesque market town of Tickhill which is very popular due to its excellent range of independent shops, restaurants, and amenities, as well as offering easy access to the A1(M), M18 and M62.
'The property blends period features and charm with an excellent finish, which includes media and sound systems together with remote heating and security systems, which will all appeal to buyers looking for a standout family home.'
He added: 'Rowland Bridge House is full of history and during the 1970s it was the childhood home of motoring journalist and star of Clarkson's Farm, Jeremy Clarkson.
'It's also where he famously played with the world's first ever Paddington Bear, after his mother, Shirley Clarkson, started making the soft toys without consent.
'However, she was later granted licencing rights by Paddington's author, Michael Bond, to manufacture and export the bears throughout the world.'
It is thought the Clarkson family sold the home in 2016 and that it is currently owned by a semi-retired estate agent.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
3 minutes ago
- The Sun
Strictly pro Michelle Tsiakkas defends Jamie Borthwick after he was suspended by BBC and reveals pair are ‘really close'
STRICTLY Come Dancing pro Michelle Tsiakkas has defended her former dance partner Jamie Borthwick - after he was suspended by the BBC over an ableist slur. Michelle, 29, who placed seventh on the BBC dance series with Jamie, 31, last year, revealed how the pair were still 'really close'. 4 She told The Sun on Sunday: 'Whatever you saw on screen of our relationships together is what our relationship is like. 'We're like brother and sister, we're really close. He still actually messages me saying that he misses it. 'I saw him the other day, he remembered all of his routines, he was doing them again. I was actually so surprised.' Speaking at the National Reality TV Awards, Michelle added: 'For me, that counts more than any trophy because I feel like I had a positive impact on your life and changed it for the better - in terms of him finding this new found love for dancing. 'He's honestly so passionate about dancing. I can't believe it. He is trying to dance with everybody and do his routines with everyone.' It comes after Jamie was banned from BBC soap EastEnders in June after The Sun on Sunday revealed a video of him using a severely derogatory term. It saw him describe the people of Blackpool as 'absolute m**s' while there for last year's Strictly live show. Asked if she and Jamie chat in a Strictly WhatsApp group, Michelle said: 'We mostly talk just me and him so that is really nice that we still have a good relationship.' Speaking about the pressure that comes with the BBC series, she added: 'The show is about joy and dancing. 'It always needs to come back to that because it is such a special show. Fresh Strictly scandal as Jamie Borthwick & Wynne Evans blasted by BBC over shocking SEX TOY vid filmed in dressing room 'It's about having fun and not taking anything too personal and creating memories that last a lifetime, which they truly do.' 4
The Sun
3 minutes ago
- The Sun
Gemma Collins reveals ‘mystical' wedding plans are on hold – despite X Factor stars agreeing to perform
GEMMA Collins reveals her 'mystical' wedding plans are on hold for the time being. The former Celebrity Big Brother housemate has said that her arrangements are coming slowly. 6 6 6 Gemma, 44, is currently engaged to her long-term fiance Rami Hawash, 50, whom she first met in 2011. She has regularly been spotted with X Factor group, Jedward, who have apparently agreed to perform at the ceremony. However, the former Dancing on Ice favourite has stated that fans might be waiting a while to see her walking down the aisle in white. The GC has now said that she has barely planned for the big day, but she does at least have a theme in mind. She told The Mirror: "If I'm honest, I haven't actually done anything about it yet because I've had just the craziest of times recently. "It's been nonstop. But I'm sure Jedward are gonna get up and sing. I've not decided where it's gonna be. "Absolutely, they will be singing. They'll definitely have a major role in the big day." Wedding inspiration "I mean, after Jeff Bezos' wedding, I've sure as hell got to try and top that one, haven't I?," quipped the GC. "I had my friend DJ Fat Tony's wedding this year and that was just so beautiful, it was just so right." Watch hilarious moment Gemma Collins launches bid to become a DAME as she sets sights on royal nod She continued: "They obviously put a lot of planning into it, but their day was beautiful. "I am very last minute so, knowing me, I'll probably decide two weeks before." Despite not actively planning her nuptials, the star did confirm that she has a date in mind. She told the outlet: "Absolutely it will be 2026. I spoke to my astrologer and that is the year to get married. "I'd like it very mythical, actually. I'd like fairies. I'm obsessed with Maleficent, you know the movie? "So I'd like a woodland setting, I think. Very like boho but magical. That's the thing, I haven't pulled my finger out and done one bloody single thing. "So I'm literally at the very, very beginning. All I know is I want it mythical with mythical creatures." Elaborating further on Jedward's role in her big day, she added: "They could be mythical creatures. I love them to death, the boys." Stepmother duties Meanwhile, the former Towie favourite has loved being on 'step-mother duties' to Rami's seven-year-old son, Tristan. Gemma told the outlet: "I've been a busy stepmum because, obviously, I've got Tristan now. "I don't share him too much on socials, because I respect his privacy but we've had him, so that's been lovely. "We've been just doing normal, kiddy-friendly things. I spent more time in Jump Street [children's trampoline park] than I've had hot dinners." I'd like it very mythical, actually. I'd like fairies. I'm obsessed with Maleficent. Gemma CollinsThe Mirror She added: "I've been on the PlayStation – you name it, I've been doing it: parks, doggy walks. "I wish I could say to you, I'm sat in Mykonos drinking a Piña Colada, but I'm not. "I have been busy doing stepmother duties but I wouldn't have it any other way. I've loved it." 6 6 6
BBC News
33 minutes ago
- BBC News
Edinburgh Fringe Festival: Welsh language on the global stage
The thousands of people attending the Edinburgh Fringe Festival may well be expecting to see shows in German, French or for one performance duo, it is the Welsh language that takes centre stage as they bring the audience on a journey deep into Celtic Phillips, of the Harebell Tellers, says she is passionate about telling place-based stories that bring the language of the land to the spectators. Creu Cymru, who promote performing arts in Wales, say Welsh language and bilingual shows give global audiences an opportunity to share in the "richness of our heritage". Every year Welsh acts descend on the Scottish capital and join more than 3,500 shows from performers all over the world ranging from comedy to cabaret, to street acts and spoken word. The Harebell Tellers perform folklore and mythological stories through the traditional art of storytelling. Ffion Phillips, from Wales and Ailsa Dixon, from Scotland, weave the Welsh and Scottish languages into their from Conwy, said there are people at the Fringe who have never heard the Welsh language before."It's amazing to take what is really a living, breathing language into venues that don't get a great deal of it," she said."If they are Welsh speakers it's a beautiful point of connection."I love interweaving stories in a way that English speakers in the audience can still hopefully follow what I'm saying - it really brings them into the world of the story."The 20-year-old student has been storytelling since she was eight and started to incorporate the Welsh language soon after."The vast majority of my repertoire is Welsh folklore and myth. As a Welsh speaker in my daily life, I've always loved telling stories bilingually."Their show, Aderyn/Bird, explores bird mythology, dreams and fate. Over three weeks in August the venues and streets in the Edinburgh turn into a hive of arts and culture. Emily Davis is currently performing two shows, Blodwen's in Town and Escape the Rat song, Emily, from Newport, Pembrokeshire, tells her story of moving from west Wales to London and then escaping corporate life all through the eyes of Blodwen. "It's about the culture shocks that happen to you when you come from a small village in west Wales and how you find yourself navigating a new world, leaving behind a support system and finding a new one," she started her theatrical career 10 years ago after completing a cabaret course but found it difficult to perform as herself, so she created an alter ego."Blodwen is me, but without all the self-doubt and emotional baggage," Emily 41-year-old pulls inspiration from her own life and, like Blodwen, works in an office when she's not performing. But the variety is not just in her performances but in the audiences that go to watch."Some days you might get two people at the show, other days 50 people will turn up and others will come because it's raining outside. Every day is different," she said. Stand-up comedian, Stuart Thomas, has been performing at the Edinburgh Fringe for the first time, sharing what life was like growing up on a sheep farm in Port Talbot. "I talk a lot about being Welsh, and about being fat as well, which is why the name of the show is called 'Bad Fatty'. It is all about changing stereotypes."People sometimes hear my accent and don't expect a lot from me, but you can use that in comedy and play with it. It's a fun thing to do to change perceptions."Stuart now lives in Salford but has not forgotten his Welsh roots. "It's great to share a bit about Wales and have Welsh representation at the festival. The Fringe is a global showcase and people come from all over the world," said the 32-year-old. His show talks about body image, sexuality and mental health. Stuart now works as a software engineer designing apps, as well as pursuing a career in got into stand-up after the Covid lockdown and has since gigged in more than 200 locations across the UK. Louise Miles-Payne, Director Creu Cymru said: "The Fringe gives performers a platform for Welsh stories and our language in a unique environment. "It's a chance to test work out, showcase their talent and ensure that the voices of Wales are heard, celebrated, and understood on a global stage."The Edinburgh Fringe Festival runs until 25 August.
