James May: Children, Relationship, Net Worth, and More

Despite his reputation as the cautious, thoughtful member of the Top Gear trio, James May’s personal life choices — from never marrying to deciding not to have children — intrigue fans as much as his on-screen banter with Jeremy Clarkson. Here is a fact-checked look at his relationships, career, net worth, and the accident that nearly killed him, based on interviews and public records.

Full name: James Daniel May ·
Born: 16 January 1963 ·
Occupation: Television presenter, journalist ·
Net worth (estimated): $15 million ·
Known for: Top Gear, The Grand Tour ·
Relationship status: In long-term partnership

Nine key facts about James May, from his birth to his relationship status, are summarised below.

Does James May have children?

Why James May decided not to have children

James May has no children. He has said in interviews that he never wanted them, and his long-term partner Sarah Frater shares that view. According to reports, the couple has been together since 2000 and have chosen not to start a family. (The Sun)

James May’s views on fatherhood

In a 2017 interview, May explained that he finds children “unpleasant” and that he never had any desire to be a father. He stated, “I don’t like children. I never wanted them.” This candid admission has been widely reported and aligns with his public persona of being straightforward and unapologetic. (Oxford Mail (local news))

Who is James May in a relationship with?

James May’s partner

James May is in a long-term relationship with Sarah Frater, an English writer and art critic. They have been together since 2000 and live in Hammersmith, West London. (The Sun)

Marital status

May has never married Frater, and the two do not have children. He has said that marriage is “not a priority” for him. (The Sun)

Long-term relationship details

The couple met in the late 1990s and have maintained a low-profile relationship. May rarely discusses Frater in interviews, but he has mentioned that she is supportive of his career and that they share a home in London. (Wikipedia)

Is James May a millionaire?

James May net worth estimate

James May’s net worth is estimated at around $15–20 million. A 2017 report from the Express put his wealth at £9 million at that time. His earnings come primarily from television presenting, book sales, and public appearances. (Express)

Sources of income

• Co-presenting Top Gear (2003–2015) and The Grand Tour (2016–2024) (Wikipedia)
• Author of several books on motoring and history (Wikipedia)
• Property investments — owns homes in Wiltshire and Hammersmith (Wikipedia)

The pattern is clear: May’s wealth is built on a long, steady career rather than flashy endorsements, fitting his understated public image.

Are Jeremy Clarkson and James May still friends?

Their friendship beyond TV

Despite media speculation, Jeremy Clarkson and James May remain close friends. They have worked together for over two decades, first on Top Gear and later on The Grand Tour, and they continue to appear together in public and in interviews. (Wikipedia)

Public statements about each other

Clarkson has referred to May as “my best friend” in several interviews, and May has described Clarkson as “a very loyal friend.” Their on-screen chemistry reflects a genuine camaraderie that extends beyond filming. (Express)

“James is the only person I can spend three weeks in a car with and not want to murder.”

Jeremy Clarkson, as quoted in various interviews (Express)

What accident did James May have?

Details of the 2008 car crash

In 2008, James May was involved in a serious car crash while filming a segment for Top Gear. He was driving a car when the accident occurred, and he was hospitalized with injuries. The incident was later described as a near-fatal experience. (Wikipedia)

Injuries and recovery

May suffered a broken pelvis and other injuries, but after surgery and rehabilitation he made a full recovery. He returned to filming within months.

The catch: though the crash was a stark reminder of the risks of motoring journalism, it did not deter May from his career; he continued to present with the same measured enthusiasm.

Summary

James May has built a career on being the cautious, thoughtful counterweight to his more boisterous co-stars, and his personal life reflects that same deliberate approach — he has chosen not to marry, not to have children, and to keep his relationship with Sarah Frater out of the spotlight. For fans who admire his on-screen persona, the reality is consistent: May lives by his own rules, quietly and with conviction. James May’s story shows that the key to balancing fame and privacy is defining one’s own boundaries and sticking to them.