Jeremy Clarkson likes driving fast cars into trees, punch ups and sirloin steak. He dislikes Vauxhalls (“one of the worst chassis I've ever come across”), good manners and apparently cold platters.
Last week the provocative English broadcaster and motor enthusiast was given his marching orders from the BBC, following an attack on producer Oisin Tymon during filming of the new season of Top Gear. The altercation stemmed from Tymon offering Clarkson a plate of cold cuts — not the sirloin steak he demanded.
Clarkson’s co-presenter, James May, weighed in on the situation, saying, “The man is a knob, but I quite like him.”
While Clarkson’s replacement is yet to be announced, it does beg the question of whether our TV presenters should be the shiny, nice people we want them to be in a world that’s become obsessed with likes (#likeforlikes); or whether we’re slowly seeing a dying vanguard of men who provoked and spoke their mind without any filter? Mind you, does anyone really care what Kanye West thinks about Beck’s artistry?
Though the Natalia Kills/Willy Moon/X-Factor fracas was a display of bullying — from Kills, Moon and internet trolls — Moon's replacement, Shelton Woolright's one-dimensional critiques so far call to mind the character of Emmet from The Lego Movie ("Everything is AWESOME!").
These recent public displays of bad manners are timely reminders that although Clarkson’s brand of alpha-male bravado in an increasingly PC world might make him a ‘‘lovable larrikin’’, good manners will always win.
Our pick of well-known, well-mannered men.
1. Eddie Redmayne
No one does politesse quite as good as the Brits, and on recent press junkets for The Theory of Everything Redmayne came across as courteous and attentive. Those manners were on display as he accepted his Oscar, as he commented that it "belongs to one exceptional family. I will be its custodian and I will promise you I will look after him".
2. Tom Ford
The Texan native is known for his refined taste and impeccable Southern charm.
3. George Clooney
His wife, Amal Alamuddin, is a successful high-profile barrister, author and activist. If anyone is going to be a decent judge of good taste and manners, it's her.
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Advertise with NZME.4. Cristoph Waltz-German
The Austrian actor, and previous face of Prada, played up the arrogance in Horrible Bosses 2, but in real life the mild-mannered actor is interesting and polite.
5. John Campbell
The TV3 broadcaster is known for his witty charm that engages audiences and guests alike. His deft handling of the leader’s debate during last year’s general election showcased his ability to be fair and commanding.
6. Richard Ayoade
His self-deprecating demeanour combined with impeccable manners is a hilarious combination, perfect for awkward TV chat show appearances. Also knows how to bring personality and wit to a suit.
7. Colin Firth
True to life, Colin Firth plays basically himself in his latest film Kingsman: The Secret Service, although now he's shaken off the polite Mr. Darcy and is now a polite secret agent.
