Richard Hammond's production company, Hamster's Wheel Productions, has entered voluntary liquidation after 18 years of operation. The firm, co-founded by the former Top Gear presenter and his then-wife Mindy Hammond in 2008, was placed into liquidation last month, according to official filings on Companies House.
A Declaration of Solvency document published last week reveals the company holds £2.3 million and is owed a further £1.45 million. It is also able to recover £176,573 from the government for corporation tax payments.
Company Background and Key Productions
Mr Hammond, 56, is best known for co-hosting Top Gear between 2002 and 2015, and The Grand Tour from 2016 until 2024. He formed one of the most recognisable trios in British TV history alongside Jeremy Clarkson and James May.
Nicknamed "The Hamster" due to his fairly short stature, Mr Hammond founded the London-based independent production company with his former wife. The firm developed, supported and produced media products and TV ventures, including Richard Hammond's Blast Lab, Wild Weather, and Lab Rats.
Marriage Split and Financial Outcome
Mr and Mrs Hammond ended their marriage after 28 years and entered the company into voluntary liquidation last month. As it was solvent at the time, the closure triggered a financial windfall of almost £4 million.
It was previously reported that Mr Hammond moved out of the family's home near Ross-on-Wye, in Herefordshire, following the split. He then spent time living in rented accommodation before moving to Wales.
He said at the time of the separation in 2025: "A little update from us; this Christmas we were together as a family, and this year we will still be a family but just structured a bit differently. 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. With Love, Richard and Mindy."
Liquidation Confirmed
Companies House has now confirmed the company has been put into liquidation. The pair are set to share almost £4 million from the business.
The company was involved in co-developing and producing Richard Hammond's Blast Lab, a children's science game show that aired on the BBC, as well as Wild Weather, a documentary series exploring Earth's extreme climate dynamics. It also helped create Lab Rats, another BBC science series aimed at engaging a younger audience.
