Jeremy Clarkson is sacked by BBC
BBC bosses said a line had been crossed
Jeremy Clarkson has been sacked by the BBC, marking the end of his 13 year career as a Top Gear presenter.
The controversial TV host had been suspended on 10th March following a ‘fracas’ with a Top Gear producer later named as Oisin Tymon. However his departure has now been confirmed.
BBC director-general Tony Hall issued a statement today (25th March) saying: “It is with great regret that I have told Jeremy Clarkson today that the BBC will not be renewing his contract. It is not a decision I have taken lightly.”
He also said the BBC “need distinctive and different voices but they can’t come at any price" and that "a line has been crossed".
The incident allegedly occurred because there was no hot food provided following a day of filming. Tymon was then "subjected to sustained verbal abuse" and "took himself to Accident and Emergency after a physical altercation."
It is understood that Tymon did not file a formal complaint and that Clarkson reported himself to BBC bosses.
Following the BBC’s earlier decision to suspend the Top Gear host, there was a huge outpouring of support from fans of the show, with an online petition for him to be reinstated gaining over one million signatures.
It is expected that Top Gear will continue without Jeremy Clarkson, who may now be the subject of a bidding war by a number of broadcasters.
All three Top Gear presenters’ contracts were up for renewal this year but it is not currently known whether James May and Richard Hammond will remain on the show.
Meanwhile, one of Clarkson’s rumoured replacements, radio DJ Chris Evans, has ruled himself out of the running for the hot seat.
He said: “Not only is it not true, it’s absolute nonsense… Regardless of whether it would be a hit, I’m voting a no for myself on Top Gear, so that’s never going to happen.”
Credit: PA Photos