Top Gear dedicates tonight’s episode to late ‘hero’ Murray Walker after Chris Harris request

Top Gear’s upcoming episode is dedicated to the late Formula 1 commentator Murray Walker.

Presenter Chris Harris asked producers to add in a tribute to the legendary journalist following the news of his death on Saturday aged 97 and it is understood there will be an acknowledgement at the end of tonight’s instalment.

Chris told Metro.co.uk: ‘He [Murray] was the voice of an entire sport. He was Sunday afternoons, watching my heroes – and I now realise he was as important as the drivers themselves.’

Murray’s broadcasting career spanned more than 50 years and he worked for the BBC and ITV, before he retired from commentating in 2001.

The British Racing Drivers’ Club confirmed the news of Murray’s death in a statement.

‘It’s with great sadness we share the news of the passing of BRDC Associate Member Murray Walker OBE,’ it read.

‘A friend, a true motorsport legend, the nation’s favourite commentator and a contagious smile. We thank Murray for all he has done for our community. RIP our friend.’

Tonight’s episode of Top Gear marks the start of series 30 and the return of Chris, Paddy McGuinness and Freddie Flintoff.

The opening episode sees the presenters head to the beautiful backdrop of the Lake District in Cumbria where they are reunited with the most important and most memorable cars in their lives – their family cars.

In an exclusive clip shared with Metro.co.uk, Freddie suggests to the lads that the most important bit of dad driving is reversing – so he sets up a slalom and speed challenge on an airfield to see who can reverse quickest around a course of hay bales.

‘Old dad technique,’ he announces as he gets to work. ‘Arm over the shoulder. The pressure is on.’

The opening episode also features Chris’ review the new hybrid supercar from Lamborghini – the Sian – which doesn’t use batteries.

Top Gear returns tonight at 8pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

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