The last thing that springs to mind when thinking about Paddington Bear is Jeremy Clarkson, but the beloved fictional bear has a surprising connection with the former Top Gear presenter. It turns out that Clarkson owes a lot to the adorable children's character, as his family's financial success boils down to the charming little bear.
Paddington Bear would look rather different if it wasn't for the broadcaster's parents, as their small business led them to make the first-ever prototype of the character in toy form. Doncaster-based Shirley and Eddie Clarkson ran a small design business and made a prototype for the first Paddington stuffed bear in 1972, which they gifted to their son Jeremy and daughter Joana for Christmas.
