So a few days ago Edd China, the mechanic of the British, auto fix/flip show Wheeler Dealers show announced his departure from the program he hosted with car dealer Mike Brewer after 14 years. Its a decision that, like the departure of the Top Gear boys has sent a ripple through the shows fanbase, sparking sadness for Edd leaving, anger towards Velocity for affecting the chemistry the show originally had when it was based in Britain and also anger and actual threats of abuse and death towards Mike Brewer and his FAMILY!

First off As a car loving American im proud to say thank you, thank you to Edd, and to Mike for 14 years of probably my favorite automotive fix/flip show of all time. Ive watched many an auto fix it show in my life, mostly US based shows like Horsepower TV, Trucks, Overhaulin, etc. Yet these shows as good as they are never really won my devotion, either being to entertainment based for me to learn or too technical for me to enjoy. Wheeler Dealers was different. It had the technical/mechanical aspect of it as the main course with a side of Mike's cocney humor and car/part buying tips. On top of that, unlike most car fix it shows, Edd took the time to explain how most of the work he did on the cars could be tackled by someone at home rather than always taking it to a mechanic or dealer. That coupled with his occasional top tips, enabled me to learn more about the mechanicals of cars than i ever did with other shows. This was helpful in enabling me to fix a pair of failing anti-roll bar drop links on my old truck as well as remove the bumper valance to get it repainted rather than leave the whole vehicle at the body shop. Ive also become more confident in my painting of model cars and my recent bike project as i learned the proper techniques from him.

Im indeed saddened by the course of action being taken, but at the same time a bit relieved as i saw the influence of Discovery/Velocity seeping in, in the past couple of seasons with more tension and scripting coming into the show. However i will continue to watch the show regardless as i do still enjoy the entertainment Mike brings to the table and i do wish to see how Edd's successor Ant gets on with the mechanical side of it. Change is hard yes, and it wont seem like WD without him but sometimes one cannot remain in the same place too long when things start to get weird. I respect Edd's decision and hopefully well see some awesome content from him in the future!

Now as far as the anger towards Velocity in regards to this i totally get. The show definitely started changing when Velocity picked up the show from Attaboy Television in the UK. But thats the way things go when a show is taken out of its comfort zone. Its not the first times its happened.

Now onto the misdirected hate towards Mike Brewer, and his family. This upsets me not just as a fan of WD but as a human being. There is no place ever for such immature and unprofessional action such as this being taken towards Mike, and ESPECIALLY his family. I honestly have no animosity towards Mike in Edd's announcement of departure. I dont blame Mike at all really. Its obvious he enjoys doing the show and if he has to do it without Edd then thats that. Its clear that Mike and Edd are still offscreen friends despite all this, Mike's call to Edd regarding this matter is proof of that. And honestly ive never really minded Mike's campy cockny attitude on Wheeler Dealers. I honestly thought he was quite funny and was the Yin to Edds mechanical Yang. Am i sad its over? Yes, of course but still respect Mikes decision to stay with the show and keep it going. Heck im sure he respects Edds decision to leave just as much as most of us do.

Seriously, we need to move on, accept the change and see what the future brings.