Richard has a degree in Photography and television production. He had several radio jobs including BBC Radio Leeds and Lancashire before he became a TV presenter. He spent a lot of time on Sky including channels such as Men and Motors. After several shows like Motor Week & Better Cars he got a job hosting Top Gear alongside Jeremy Clarkson and James May.

He also presented Brainiac: Science Abuse until the end of season 4, when he quit due to increasing commitment to Top Gear and his BBC contract.