James May, 62, makes candid admission over ‘tragic’ loss as he details emotional reaction: ‘I cried’
Television presenter James May has revealed he was reduced to tears following the sudden death of his beloved pet cat.
The 62-year-old former Top Gear host spoke candidly about the emotional impact of losing his feline companion in a recent interview.
“I last cried when my cat died. We were very close. His name was Fluff because he wasn’t long-haired, but still fluffy,” he shared.
The former Top Gear star revealed to The I newspaper: “He died suddenly of an embolism, in some pain, so it was all a bit tragic.”
The presenter described the loss as particularly difficult to process due to the unexpected nature of his pet’s death.
May’s admission came as he discussed various personal and professional experiences from his career.
The unexpected death occurred when Fluff suffered an embolism, causing the animal considerable pain in his final moments.
Despite the cat’s name suggesting otherwise, May explained that Fluff was not actually a long-haired breed but had earned the moniker due to his fluffy appearance.
The admission marks a rare moment of vulnerability from the television personality, who has become known for his measured demeanour during his decades-long broadcasting career.
May characterised the entire experience as “tragic” given the sudden nature of the loss.
During the same interview, May reflected on his most perilous moment, which occurred whilst piloting his own aircraft.
“The closest I’ve come to death is when I crashed my aeroplane. I tried to land in a gusting crosswind, and the next thing, the aeroplane was on its back,” he recounted.
The presenter noted that the situation could have been fatal had a fire broken out following the crash.
May explained that his interest in aviation began years after joining Top Gear, when he and a friend spotted an airfield advertising introductory flying lessons for £120.
That spontaneous decision led to May obtaining his private pilot’s licence.
Despite initially planning to trial retirement in 2025, the presenter revealed he is facing his busiest year in approximately a decade.
May has accepted speaking engagements at history festivals and charity events for the coming year.
He is also working on two television series and has scheduled live performances across Australia, New Zealand and the UK.
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“2025 was going to be my trial retirement year, but I’ve been accepted to speak at a couple of history festivals and charity events. I’ve got two TV series, and then I’m doing a live show in Australia, New Zealand and around the UK. This is the busiest year I’ve had for about a decade,” May stated.
One of his current projects, James May’s Shed Load of Ideas, was recently filmed at an Asda supermarket in Gillingham. Store community champion Diana confirmed May took time to pose for photographs with customers and schoolchildren during the shoot.