The stig's true name is Ben Collins.
Or was. TG UK had a new Stig "born" between last season and this season (Stigs grow up fast, it seems). Funny episode, that Middle Eastern Special. Ben Collins has moved to Fifth Gear as himself, not the Stig. New Stig on Top Gear is a mystery man once again.
Why the fall out? I heard there was some political :bullshit: that went down and disgruntled the Stig... :dunno: