ONE of the most eagerly anticipated Christmas TV shows saw a presenter described as having a "chirpy, upbeat Ross-on-Wye mannerism".

James May made the comment about Weston-under-Penyard resident Richard Hammond during the Top Gear Patagonia Special which saw the pair, plus Jeremy Clarkson, drive through Argentina and Chile.

After being told the trio would have to set up camp for the night in rural Argentina, Mr May said: "I wonder if the viewers find Hammond's chirpy, upbeat Ross-on-Wye mannerisms as aggravating as I do."

Elsewhere in the show, broadcast over Saturday and Sunday night, Mr Clarkson referred to Mr Hammond's Weston-under-Penyard home as being in Wales.

The episode hit the headlines when the presenters and production crew came under fire from some Argentinians who thought the registration number on Mr Clarkson's car - H982 FKL - was a reference to the Falklands conflict in 1982.

The incident forced them to flee the country.

In November, the Hereford Times reported that Mr Hammond had bought his neighbouring property.

The 45-year-old has lived in Bollitree Castle since 2008 when he bought the mock Tudor chateau for around £2 million.

He lives there with his wife and two children.