'Top Gear' fans left in tears by Paddy McGuinness' emotional Eddie Kidd tribute

Watch: Top Gear pays tribute to Eddie Kidd

Paddy McGuinness has thanked Top Gear fans for their kind words about his Eddie Kidd tribute which moved many to tears.

The BBC One driving show returned for a new series on Sunday night and host McGuinness, usually known for cracking jokes, surprised viewers with an emotional feature where he spent time with the former stunt driver.

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Kidd's career as one of the greatest bikers of his generation included death-defying stunts and acting as the stunt driver on James Bond films, but it was cut short when he was left paralysed by an accident in 1996.

Now 62, Kidd joined McGuinness for a drive as a procession of motorbikes passed them in salute, and he also spent time with Kidd's family, paying tribute to his achievements.

Comedian McGuinness tweeted: "Thank you for all the kind messages regarding tonight’s @BBC_TopGear tribute to Eddie Kidd. It was an honour to spend time with Eddie and his wonderful family. A true British legend."

Celebrity fans of the show included Piers Morgan, who tweeted: "Brilliant #TopGear tonight. This Eddie Kidd tribute is one of the most moving things I’ve ever watched. Superbly done ⁦ @PaddyMcGuinness - just great to see Eddie having such a good time. One of Britain’s most magnificent daredevil heroes."

Radio 2 DJ Sara Cox tweeted: "No you’re crying #TopGear #eddiekidd"

Viewers commented on how moving they had found the feature and how good it was to see Kidd, who had been a childhood hero for many.

One viewer tweeted: "Paddy, initially I thought you had made a mistake but I was wrong . You could tell by the joy in Eddie's face that you had brought him happiness. Well done fella!"

Someone else wrote: "#EddieKidd what a legend of a superstar. Brilliant @BBC_TopGear @PaddyMcGuinness what an emotional watch for a generation who regarded him and still do as their hero I certainly do."

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Another fan added: "This Eddie Kidd tribute is amazing. Bloody emotional as well! Taken me back to my childhood. He was absolutely fearless!! One of the most moving tribute I’ve ever seen on @TopGear"

Someone else commented: "This tribute to #eddiekidd should have been a full documentary. It’s tremendous."

Top Gear returned to BBC One for its 31st series on Sunday, with McGuinness, Freddie Flintoff and Chris Harris back as hosts.

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