Jeremy Clarkson pulls out of ‘Have I Got News For You’ appearance
He was expected to be a guest host in the upcoming series
Jeremy Clarkson has decided against his planned appearance as host of ‘Have I Got News For You’.
The axed Top Gear presenter was due to host the show on 24th April, in his first BBC appearance since he was dropped for an attack on a producer.
However his appearance on the show has now been postponed.
Jimmy Mulville, managing director of the show’s producers, Hat Trick Productions, said that he expected Clarkson to be available for the show later in the year.
“On reflection, Jeremy Clarkson has decided not to host ‘Have I Got News For You’”, he said. “We fully expect him to resume his hosting duties later in the year.”
Clarkson was initially suspended by the BBC after a ‘fracas’ with Top Gear producer Oisin Tymon, and was later informed that his contract would not be renewed on the show.
More than one million people signed an online petition to get the 54-year-old reinstated however BBC director general Tony Hall said that “a line had been crossed”.
The BBC has confirmed that Top Gear will go ahead without Clarkson but it is currently unclear whether co-hosts Richard Hammond and James May will remain – both of their contracts are up for renewal.
The new series of ‘Have I Got News For You’ will start on Friday with Harry Potter actor Daniel Radcliffe as the first guest host.
Credit: PA Photos