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BBC Top Gear Jeremy Clarkson

BBC faced with multimillion pound broadcaster compensation for canning Jeremy Clarkson's final Top Gear episodes

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By John McCarthy, Opinion Editor

March 12, 2015 | 2 min read

The BBC could pay a high price for its cancellation of Top Gear following host Jeremy Clarkson’s suspension for allegedly assaulting a colleague.

Clarkson, who was suspended for reportedly punching a Top Gear producer, saw the final three episodes of the show cancelled. As a result, the BBC is faced with filling the three episode gap both in the UK and internationally.

BBC Worldwide broadcasts Top Gear to 350m viewers in 214 territories and slashing the episodes from broadcast could substantially decrease the £50m in revenue the show generates annually.

As an alternative, a BBC spokesperson told the Guardian: “We are working on supplying international broadcast partners with alternative content.”

To the disappointment of fans this means the final episodes may never see the light of day, however, the BBC will be keen to continue the Top Gear Franchise which is one of its primary money-makers.

Yesterday (Wednesday 11 March) Clarkson admitted that he is “off to the job centre”. He could snap up substantial interest from ITV, Channel 4 and Sky who have in the past tried to poach him from the BBC.

DJ and car enthusiast Chris Evans on Wednesday denied any interest in picking up the Top Gear mantle, responding to speculation from fans and bookmakers.

BBC Top Gear Jeremy Clarkson

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