Suspended Jeremy Clarkson might quit BBC even if he is cleared over "fracas with a colleague." Clarkson's relationship with top BBC executives, including head of television Danny Cohen, turned sour even before the Top Gear presenter was suspended over the incident.
Clarkson, 54, has allegedly punched producer Oisin Tymon, 36, after being told there was no food for the presenters during the filming for Top Gear last week. The Telegraph wrote that witnesses at North Yorkshire hotel said Clarkson had to be "held back" when he was told there was no hot dinner.
"Clarkson erupted when told there was only a cold platter. The general manager offered them everything. We were all thinking meat platter and soup - surely that's food. We were so surprised at his reaction. He was shouting and swearing using every single word you can think of. There was F words and C words. The producer was being very quiet and looked very embarrassed."
Clarkson, whose contract with BBC expires at the end of the month, denied that he punched Tymon "but that there was ‘handbags and pushing' over the fact that no dinner was available after a day's filming. He was expected to sign a new three-year contract with BBC by next week. However, it may be a blessing in disguise for Clarkson after he was reportedly offered by Sky a new program.
Radio Times reported "The last three episodes of this series have been pulled," the source said. "Can I see him going back to film another BBC series? I don't think so. But he'll be fine. The other broadcasters will bite his arm off."
Talks that Chris Evans will replace Clarkson on Top Gear was immediately dispelled by the Radio 2 host in his Twitter account, "Re. Top Gear debate. I can categorically say I am not and will NEVER be running for office. Pls discount my candidacy."
Evans, according to reports, is the top choice of BBC to replace Clarkson. Meanwhile,Clarkson's fans are flooding an online petition to reinstate Clarkson which has already reached 470,000 signatures.
Join the Conversation