Which presumably means he has an more interesting life than just driving round in circles on a TV programme.

BBC lawyers claim he is subject to ‘agreed contractual and confidentiality obligations” relating to the programme” and unmasking himself would breach the confidentiality agreement and spoil viewers’ enjoyment.

The Stig, whose name derives from Clarkson’s days at Repton School where, new students were called “Stig”, is apparently poked off about the inequitable nature of his faceless role. Whilst his persona is as famous as the other show presenters, whoever he actually is, he has to go about his duties without the adulation of adoring fans or the bucket loads of cash that the others are raking in.

According to the Daily Mail, only a handful of BBC executives and the programme’s presenters Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May know who The Stig is. In the past, various racing drivers have been linked to the role, including former Formula One world champion Damon Hill but the truth has not been revealed. So in its desperation to stop him revealing his identity the Corporation has called in the lawyers.

Clarkson, who is thought to earn in the region of £2million a year from his TV and book commitments, is undertood to be “deeply upset” about the dispute. Probably not as upset as the unrecognisable guy who only gets a few grand a pop for each show though.