End of the road for Clarkson as presenter prepares to be sacked by BBC
Combative Top Gear Host Jeremy Clarkson is to be dethroned from his role of presenter of the long-running motoring magazine show, after a BBC investigation found that the personality had assaulted a producer in a row over catering, according to reports in The Telegraph.
The paper claims that BBC director Lord Hall will announce Clarson’s departure from the show later today after deciding that his personality was incompatible with the broadcaster’s values.
This follows an internal investigation which concluded that Clarkson had spent 20 minutes verbally berating producer Oisin Tymon before launching a 30 second physical assault – apparently because the star was told he couldn’t have steak and chips.
A BBC spokesperson refused to confirm the rumours however, stating: "No decision has been made. When we have an outcome, we will announce it.”
Despite Clarkson’s departure the BBC intends to continue broadcasting its hit show, for which it owns the rights and earns an estimated £50m a year, with possible replacements including Chris Evans being lined up to fill his shoes.
The future of Clarkson’s co-presenters James May and Richard Hammond is uncertain but they have previously refused to continue filming of the series in solidarity with their friend.