Mike Brewer, the long-standing host of Wheeler Dealers, faced a torrent of online harassment following the departure of his co-host, Edd China, in 2017. China left the show due to disagreements over its direction, particularly concerns about the reduction of in-depth mechanical segments, which he felt compromised the show’s integrity.
In the aftermath, Brewer became the target of intense online abuse. He received numerous death threats, and distressingly, his wife and daughter were also subjected to threats of violence. Brewer recounted that individuals claimed to be outside his home, and some even appeared at his gate.
The psychological toll of this harassment was significant. Brewer admitted that the constant abuse affected his mental health, leading him to drink more than he should and contributing to weight gain. He described the situation as a “vicious circle,” exacerbated by further online criticism about his appearance.
Edd China publicly condemned the abuse directed at Brewer and his family. In a video statement, China emphasized that while he and Brewer had professional disagreements, the threats and harassment were entirely unjustified and “really NOT cool.”
If the online harassment Mike Brewer faced after Edd China’s exit wasn’t painful enough, he also endured another traumatic event earlier in his life — a near-fatal car crash that could have changed everything.
At just 19 years old, Mike was working for a company and had been given a Vauxhall Cavalier as his company car. One day, while driving through North London, he found himself behind a parked cement lorry that was blocking his lane. With limited visibility and the kind of quick decision-making that comes from youthful inexperience, Mike tried to overtake the cement lorry.
But what he couldn’t see was a large beer lorry barreling toward him on the other side of the road. As soon as he pulled out to pass, the collision was unavoidable. His car slammed head-on into the truck.
The impact was brutal. Mike described how the steering wheel collapsed into his chest, the dashboard crumpled, and the car was completely destroyed. Miraculously, he survived with no broken bones — just bruises and a shaken spirit. But mentally, the accident left a deep mark. It was a wake-up call for Mike, who had been deeply passionate about cars since his childhood. To nearly lose his life in one was a cruel irony he couldn’t ignore.
The crash haunted him, especially as he began to build a career in the automotive world. It was a reminder of how dangerous the road can be, and it shaped the cautious respect he holds for driving today.
Years later, Mike would go on to face another car-related scare — this time during the filming of Wheeler Dealers: World Tour. While driving with co-host Marc “Elvis” Priestley, they accidentally veered off and crashed through a motorway barrier. Though they both walked away without injury, it added yet another layer of real-world danger to a career many assume is all about fun and fast cars.
From surviving a traumatic crash at 19 to dealing with hateful death threats and stalking after Edd’s departure, Mike Brewer’s story is not just one of success — it’s one of resilience. Behind his upbeat TV persona is a man who’s endured more than most would expect.