BBC ‘will sack’ Top Gear’s Jeremy Clarkson
The BBC will announce its decision to sack outspoken Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson following his suspension over a “fracas” with a producer, The Daily Telegraph has reported.
According to the report, BBC director general Tony Hall will make the announcement on Wednesday following an investigation into the alleged fistfight with producer Oisin Tymon.
• Jeremy Clarkson fight: Top Gear star suspended
• ‘There is no Top Gear without Clarkson’
• Top Gear: calls for Alan Partridge to replace Clarkson
Mr Clarkson, 54, was suspended two weeks ago and was reportedly on his final warning following several controversies on the program.
The decision to suspend the host has hurt the BBC, which lost more than 3 million viewers after it pulled an episode of Top Gear off air.
A petition to keep the outspoken presenter on the program has received more than one million signatures, while British Prime Minister David Cameron said he would be “heartbroken” if Clarkson was dismissed.
Top Gear co-hosts James May and Richard Hammond have also reportedly refused to film any further episodes without Clarkson.
May has been sharing his daily activities on Twitter, like learning to play the recorder, along with the hashtag #stillunemployed.
According to The Daily Telegraph, the BBC are in talks with Radio 2 Breakfast Show host Chris Evans as a replacement.
On Monday, London Mayor Boris Johnson put his hand up for the job, despite being a passionate cyclist who launched London’s casual bicycle scheme.
Clarkson hasn’t refrained from speaking to media following his dismissal, telling reporters outside his London home he regretted the scuffle and joked he was off to the job centre.
am mega clarkson fan but if a vacancy wd def let my name go forward. #askboris @asabenn
— Boris Johnson (@MayorofLondon) March 23, 2015
Many many thanks to all of the people who have called for my reinstatement. I’m very touched. We shall all learn next week what will happen. — Jeremy Clarkson (@JeremyClarkson) March 20, 2015
It’s an old skool Top Gear tonight. Nobody falls over and no-one is fired by canon into a hospital. I’d watch something else frankly. — Jeremy Clarkson (@JeremyClarkson) March 8, 2015
No Top Gear this weekend, apparently. How about 633 Squadron instead? @JeremyClarkson @RichardHammond
— James May (@MrJamesMay) March 10, 2015
Save Clarkson? Save empty cardboard boxes and off-cuts of string. They’re far more useful.
— James May (@MrJamesMay) March 11, 2015
I’ve been given some heavy gardening work today. Temptation to cut my own head off with the chainsaw may prove too strong. #StillUnemployed — James May (@MrJamesMay) March 20, 2015
Dog Fog Job’s in the … …holding pattern. Not trying to be cryptic, just enjoying a gorgeous morning. Off. pic.twitter.com/zM8IGyHTgk — Richard Hammond (@RichardHammond) March 18, 2015