Clarkson on his bike, Top Gear to motor on
Host to receive his walking orders after found to have assaulted producer – sources.
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Hawke’s Bay
Based on information from “well placed sources,” media are reporting that Jeremy Clarkson will lose his role as presenter of Top Gear, following an investigation that found he did assault one of the show’s producers.
It is understood Mr Clarkson will be given his walking orders on Wednesday, UK-time, when BBC director general Lord Hall is expected to announce the decision.
Despite the departure of the show’s star, the BBC intends to continue producing Top Gear, which is one of the public broadcaster’s most valuable properties, being sold to over 170 countries and generating approximately £50 million a year.
It is believed BBC executives are keen to replace Mr Clarkson with high-profile breakfast radio host and car enthusiast Chris Evans.
It is unknown whether Mr Clarkson’s co-hosts, Richard Hammond and James May, will continue on Top Gear in their erstwhile colleague’s absence.
MediaWorks, which holds the rights to Top Gear in New Zealand and broadcasts it at 7:30pm Thursdays on TV3, could not be reached for comment on whether it plans to continue screening the show.
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Clarkson on his bike, Top Gear to motor on
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