The Stig 'portrayed by four drivers'

Top Gear driver The Stig is reportedly played by four different men.

For years the identity of the cult figure, who test drives cars wearing a white suit and a white crash helmet, has remained a mystery.

However, according to the Daily Mail, the iconic figure is actually portrayed by four separate drivers.

"Since the Stig first drove on the show, it has never been practical to have one single driver taking care of all the Stig's many commitments," said a show insider.

"'Look at the pictures of the Stigs from show to show. If you look at the height of Stig in different pictures, that tells its own story."

Earlier this week, a newspaper claimed to have identified Stig as former American speedway driver Ben Collins after he reportedly outed himself.

However, the show insider insisted that people should stop trying to unmask the racer, saying: "We love to have the mystery around who he is. I just wish people would give it a rest, it's like telling people there is no Father Christmas."

A BBC spokesperson said: "We never comment on speculation as to whom or what the Stig is."

Last year, 'Who is the Stig?' was revealed to be one of the most frequently searched internet queries.