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TV show shifts into high gear in Israel
After driving through Iraq, Jordan, BBC's Top Gear presenters in Israel filming Middle East special
TV viewers across the globe have gotten used to seeing Israel in negative contexts, usually of war and terror attacks. The filming of a special episode of 'Top Gear' - the world's most successful show about cars and driving will cause around 7 million viewers to see the Jewish state in a different light.
The show's production team arrived in Israel three days ago to shoot a special episode of the hit program. Its three presenters – Jeremy Clarkson (50) Richard Hammond (41) and James May (47), crossed the border from Jordan in a BMW, Mazda and Fiat open top sports cars.
The three had driven to Israel from Iraq, and according to border patrol guards, their cars were fitted correctly with every feature essential for an extensive dessert crossing: Camouflage, external jerry cans, additional spare tires and even a shovel on the engine cover.
Reports said that the team was seen filming in Nazareth and the Golan Heights on Wednesday, and that they were expected to arrive in Jerusalem on Thursday.
"Clarkson was very nice and said that he was very surprised to see that old trucks from the 1960s are still in use in Jordan," noted one internet surfer who met the team at the border crossing.
Top Gear went on air on the British BBC network in 1977 and has since become one of the network's most watched programs, and one of the world's most influential car programs.
The show's popularity is mainly due to its charismatic and blunt presenter Jeremy Clarkson, but it also has a lot to do with the comic line the show takes and the presenters' tendency to wreck cars on a regular basis.
The presenters' expedition through the Middle East is the last in a long line of expeditions across Europe, America and Africa; usually while driving old cars and enduring challenges along the way.
A BBC spokeswoman in London, confirmed that the team was filming in Israel, but refused to give any details about their plan. It has been revealed that the Middle East show is set to be televised in Britain in December.
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