Richard Hammond, the beloved former *Top Gear* star, has humorously referred to himself as “an idiot” after a mishap left him locked out of his own home.
This funny, albeit frustrating, moment occurred just a few weeks after the announcement of his split from his wife, Mindy, after 28 years together.
The incident unfolded as Hammond was preparing for an upcoming adventure,
and he shared the tale with his fans in a recent video on his DriveTribe channel.
In the video, which was released on Wednesday, the 55-year-old TV personality recounted the comical events of the day,
which took an unexpected turn when he accidentally locked himself outside.
“I’m late because I locked myself out of the house,” Hammond confessed, explaining how the situation quickly escalated into a stressful yet humorous ordeal. “I’m actually getting ready this afternoon to go to the Lake District, I’ve got everything packed and ready, and then I thought I’ll go and empty the bins.”
Hammond’s story took a turn when he described how he took the kitchen bin out through the front door, something he did frequently without ever locking it behind him. However, this time, the Yale lock got stuck, and before he knew it, he was standing outside, wearing his dressing gown and Crocs—without his phone, keys, or any way to get back inside. “It was quite panicky, and I thought, ‘What do I do now?’” Hammond continued. “I thought about crying, but then I thought that won’t help. I felt about 10,” he joked, illustrating his frustration with a dose of self-deprecating humor.
Determined to find a way back into his house, Hammond made an attempt to break a window with a brick—a move that he quickly regretted. “I don’t know how burglars make a living,” he quipped, admitting that his plan failed. In the end, he called a locksmith, who was able to open the door in mere seconds. Reflecting on the entire ordeal, Hammond summed it up succinctly: “I do not know. So in the end, I had to phone a locksmith, who got in in five seconds. So in short, I’m late because I’m an idiot.”
This amusing story comes at a time when Hammond is experiencing a major personal transition. The news of his separation from Mindy, which was announced earlier this year, has sparked significant media attention. After 28 years of marriage, the couple shared a heartfelt statement explaining their split: “Our marriage is coming to an end, 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.” Despite their separation, the two have maintained an amicable relationship, especially for the sake of their daughters.
Speculation about the reasons behind their breakup has centered around Hammond’s demanding travel schedule and the physical risks associated with his work on *The Grand Tour*. The couple had previously lived in a lavish £7 million property, Bollitree Castle in Herefordshire, where Hammond had even set up a “man cave” in a converted barn. It’s been reported that Mindy will likely retain ownership of the estate following their divorce.
Currently, Hammond resides in a rented home in a nearby village, while continuing to run his classic car business, Smallest Cog. Despite the changes in his personal life, Hammond has remained active in his career and continues to share moments with fans through his YouTube channel. Last year, he gave viewers an inside look into his life, joking about breaking Mindy’s “golden rule” by storing his motorbike collection in the barn—something she always claimed was haunted.
In a surprising turn, despite their separation, Hammond and Mindy came together for a festive family Christmas with their two daughters, showing that they still prioritize family despite their personal challenges. However, rumors suggest that their reconciliation was short-lived, as Mindy is believed to have filed for divorce after having previously warned Hammond that he was on his “last chance.”
As Hammond continues to navigate these personal changes, his humor and resilience remain evident. His lighthearted account of locking himself out of his house is a reminder that even amidst life’s challenges, he can always find a way to laugh at himself. Fans are sure to appreciate his candidness and the refreshing honesty he brings to his online presence, as he moves forward into the next chapter of his life.
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