Top Gear stars Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond in ITV talks | Media | The Guardian Top Gear stars Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond in ITV talks Ex-presenters of BBC show meet rival’s programme chief along with its former executive producer, Andy Wilman Former Top Gear presenters James May, Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond have been in talks with ITV. Photograph: Stefan Rousseau/PA Friday 8 May 2015 06.05 EDT Last modified on Thursday 11 August 2016 06.28 EDT Close This article is 1 year old Top Gear stars Jeremy Clarkson , James May and Richard Hammond took a step closer to moving to ITV after it emerged the three presenters held talks with its programme chief Peter Fincham along with the show’s former executive producer, Andy Wilman. ITV has been touted as the most likely UK broadcaster to pick up the trio after Clarkson was axed from the show after his assault on a producer and his fellow co-presenters both quit the BBC2 show. The three met Fincham, a former controller of BBC1, along with ITV’s director of entertainment and comedy Elaine Bedell, who had previously worked closely with Clarkson at the BBC.

The meeting took place on Wednesday evening at Fincham’s home in west London. Although the three would not be able to bring with them the Top Gear name, which belongs to the BBC, a motoring show fronted by the three presenters would be hugely appealing to ITV which has suffered a tough year in the ratings. With the channel set to lose UEFA Champions League football at the beginning of next season, its needs more programmes that will bring in a male audience. Top Gear, which pulled in 6 million viewers on BBC2, about two-thirds of them men, would meet that need. Clarkson, Wilman and the show’s other presenters have also been linked with a move to US video-on-demand service Netflix, with the programme, which has global appeal, shown in more than 200 countries, a natural fit with the worldwide subscription service. An ITV spokesman said last night: “We haven’t commented and aren’t planning to comment on the continual Top Gear speculation which is swirling around the television industry.” May ruled out a return to the BBC2 show last month saying it would be “lame” to do it with a “surrogate Jeremy”.

Top Gear: James May rules out returning without Jeremy Clarkson Read more Hammond later appeared to join him, although BBC2 controller Kim Shillinglaw refused to rule out their return . Shillinglaw has been tasked with reinventing Top Gear for BBC2 next year without any of the three stars on board. It will be no easy task, especially if the three begin presenting a rival show on ITV. With Clarkson and his fellow presenters on board, Top Gear was one of the BBC’s most valuable properties, generating about £50m a year. Jeremy Clarkson 'in talks' to launch Top Gear rival called House of Cars - Telegraph Jeremy Clarkson 'in talks' to launch Top Gear rival called House of Cars New Top Gear rival featuring former BBC trio Clarkson, Hammond and May could be streamed on Netflix Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May seen in London filming Photo: jeff moore Comments Jeremy Clarkson and his co-presenters have dubbed their new motoring series House of Cars and hope to stream it exclusively on Netflix, according to reports. The title is a nod to the online service’s wildly successful House of Cards programme starring Kevin Spacey.

Clarkson, who was unceremoniously sacked by the BBC after a “fracas” with a Top Gear producer, is said to be planning a reunion with James May and Richard Hammond for a new, online-only programme. Jeremy Clarkson filming earlier in May The trio has stuck together in the wake of Clarkson’s dismissal from Top Gear, which is said to be one of the BBC’s most lucrative exports. They will be joined by long term friend and former Top Gear executive producer Andy Wilman, who also quit the BBC last month. “If it goes ahead, they’re planning to call it House of Cars, which is just genius,” a friend of the trio told the Daily Mirror . The men are reportedly in talks with both Netflix and ITV with hopes to replicate the BBC programme’s success on a rival platform. But a potential conflict of interest with advertisers could make the programme a “headache” for the latter, according to one source. Jeremy Clarkson appears to be doing his own stunts “What would they do if Jaguar or Volvo had a sponsorship deal but they wanted to berate its latest new car?” they told the Daily Mirror. 'Jeremy doesn't like being told what to do.

It could cause huge arguments.' The BBC has already confirmed plans to relaunch Top Gear , meaning that Clarkson, Hammond and May are unable to use the brand name in their new programme. Jeremy Clarkson was dismissed from the BBC after a "fracas" with Top Gear producer Oisin Tymon, pictured It has forced the threesome to r ebrand their upcoming Top Gear road tour as “Clarkson, Hammond and May Live.” In an interview to promote the tour, which opens in Belfast on May 22, Clarkson said: “After many years of practice, it’s a good show now.” He said the trio were going on the road to make their fans happy – a reminder that the BBC infuriated viewers by sacking Clarkson and pulling the show from the air, prompting one million people to sign a protest petition. “People are appreciative of [the live show] and when it’s over say, ‘That was good fun,’” he said, adding with tongue in cheek: “All those people who want to come genuinely go away with hope in their hearts. We’re uplifting.

It’s almost spiritual.” Clarkson will still be paid by the BBC for his role in the show, which will feature exclusive video footage of supercars and stunt s shot by the threesome earlier this year. BBC executives are now searching for a new presenting line-up to keep Top Gear going. Favourites include Jodie Kidd, the former model, Philip Glenister, the Life on Mars actor, and Guy Martin, the motorbike racer and television presenter. Top Gear: BBC to air final Jeremy Clarkson episode on 28 June | Media | The Guardian BBC Top Gear: BBC to air final Jeremy Clarkson episode on 28 June Show is likely to attract series’ biggest ever audience when it is aired in a Sunday night slot Jeremy Clarkson in a trailer for his final Top Gear show.

BBC Top Gear: BBC to air final Jeremy Clarkson episode on 28 June Show is likely to attract series’ biggest ever audience when it is aired in a Sunday night slot Tuesday 16 June 2015 11.32 EDT Last modified on Thursday 11 August 2016 06.23 EDT Share on Messenger Close The final Top Gear episode to feature Jeremy Clarkson , Richard Hammond and James May will air on BBC2 on 28 June, it has been announced. The 75-minute programme will feature two films with the three presenters recorded before Clarkson’s suspension and subsequent axing after his assault on a producer. Broadcast in the programme’s traditional 8pm Sunday night slot, it is likely to be Top Gear’s most watched edition ever given all the publicity around the show and Clarkson’s departure. With a typical audience of around 6 million viewers, the show’s biggest ever audience was 8.4 million when Lewis Hamilton appeared as a guest. Trailer for Jeremy Clarkson’s final Top Gear show A 30-second clip from the programme released earlier this month shows the three on familiar form churning up the countryside and appearing to destroy at least one caravan.

They are all seen wearing dinner suits for a challenge in which the last to arrive, says Clarkson, “will be doing the after-dinner speech”. The presenter is later seen driving wearing goggles. The BBC said the trio would “immerse themselves in the lifestyle of the traditional classic car enthusiast” and try to become “lifestyle leisure enthusiasts” on a budget of £250 each. The final Top Gear to feature all three presenters - for the foreseeable future at least - the swansong show will be up against coverage of the Glastonbury music festival on sister channels BBC3 and BBC4. ITV has an episode of Surprise Surprise in the schedule at that time, presented by Holly Willoughby, while Channel 4 viewers will be treated to the final of the 2014 Shed of the Year competition, an Amazing Spaces special. The future of the show remains unclear, with the BBC keen for Hammond and May to return, but the pair thought more likely to join Clarkson at a rival broadcaster without using the Top Gear name. Hammond and May returned to the programme’s studios to record links for the programme, with Clarkson also returning to the BBC to record new voiceovers for the films despite his contract coming to an end in March.

The BBC said Clarkson was not paid for the work which was carried out under the terms of his old contract. Last Top Gear leaves Richard Hammond heartbroken but he hints the boys will be back - Mirror Online TV Last Top Gear leaves Richard Hammond heartbroken but he hints the boys will be back The 45-year-old admitted he struggled putting together the programme after Clarkson was fired for punching producer Oisin Tymon in March Share By Steve White Simon Cable 19:24, 28 JUN 2015 Teary eyed: Richard Hammond, Jeremy Clarkson and James May in the final Top Gear show (Photo: BBC) Share Get celebs updates directly to your inbox + Subscribe Thank you for subscribing! Could not subscribe, try again laterInvalid Email Richard Hammond said he was heartbroken filming his last episode of Top Gear – but hinted the boys will be back with a new show. Before the final episode featuring Hammond “the Hamster”, Jeremy Clarkson and James May was broadcast, he said: “We’ve had a hell of year, but we’re alive.

"We can only do one thing – so we have to find a way of doing it.” The 45-year-old admitted he struggled putting together the programme after Clarkson was fired for punching producer Oisin Tymon in March. Hammond said he was devastated that the party was over after 22 seasons and 13 years. Top Gear: The gang during the first ever show He said: “It broke my heart, I don’t think I’ll be able to watch it.” The closing show to feature the three presenters included segments filmed prior to the exit of Clarkson, 55, but linked in the studio by May, 52, and Hammond. He said: “We felt we owed it to the audience, we made it for them and they own it, so it had to go out.” Former producer Andy Wilman revealed the Hamster struggled to contain his emotions as he said an emotional goodbye to viewers and he left the studio with his “eyes glistening”. There are rumours the trio are shortly to announce a deal with Netflix for a new motoring show. Hammond said he could not comment but added: “We’re not dead, we’re not over.

And by the grace of God, we will find a way of carrying on. View gallery "We’ve had a great time and we’re not ready to stop yet. We’ll stop when the audience tells us to stop.” Top Gear is rated as one of the world’s biggest factual programmes, with an audience of 350 million across 100 countries. Hammond added: “The whole thing was embarked upon with honesty and sincerity and no more ambition beyond making the best show we could. “There was no science in the creation of it year in, year out, we just did the best we could. It’s a shame but we’re not dead, there’s more life in us yet.” TV and radio presenter Chris Evans has signed a three-year deal to front the show. New host: Chris Evans who has signed a three-year deal to lead a new Top Gear line-up (Photo: PA) He has yet to reveal his co-presenters but he looks set to introduce the show’s first female “Stig” to test-drive the cars. The 49-year-old revealed that BBC2 boss Kim Shillinglaw had given the move the thumbs-up, telling him she “loves the idea”.

Scottish race ace Susie Wolff – a development driver with Formula One team Williams – would be an obvious choice to put high-performance motors through their paces. Insiders believe Evans will attract bigger numbers of female viewers, who were put off by the apparently sexist Clarkson. A source said: “Chris will definitely freshen things up. He loves his motors but also understands that you don’t have to be a massive petrol-head to enjoy cars.” Like us on Facebook Most Read Most Recent Most Read Most Recent Amazon Prime sign Top Gear's Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May for exclusive new show | London Evening Standard Amazon Prime sign Top Gear's Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May for exclusive new show Name of new show yet to be announced and The Stig will not feature Thursday 30 July 2015 09:34 BST Click to follow The Evening Standard Prime comeback: Clarkson, Hammond and May will return in an online only car programme Amazon Top Gear trio Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May have signed to present a new car show on the Amazon Prime streaming service in one of the biggest coups in TV history.

The programme will air for the first time next year and be produced by former Top Gear executive Andy Wilman, an old school friend of Clarkson’s who is credited with revamping the format and turning it into the world’s most successful factual TV show. The deal ends months of speculation about the future of the most bankable star on British TV following Clarkson’s spectacular departure from the BBC after 27 years. BBC director general Tony Hall refused to renew the 55 year old’s contract after a notorious “fracas” at a Yorkshire hotel in March when Top Gear's frontman hit producer Oisin Tymon during a row about catering arrangements. So, is he going to be delivering my parcels then? pic.twitter.com/wycmyijPD8 — Em Clarkson (@EmClarkson1) July 30, 2015 Co-presenters Hammond and May also bowed out saying that working with Clarkson’s replacement - later revealed to be Radio 2 DJ Chris Evans - was “a non-starter.” Related stories Top Gear: Jenson Button reported to be joining Chris Evans in new series Today’s announcement will propel Amazon’s £79 a year subscription TV and movie content service Prime Video into the broadcast big league.

I'm very excited to announce that Hammond, May and I have signed a deal with . @AmazonVideo — Jeremy Clarkson (@JeremyClarkson) July 30, 2015 No details of the trio’s deal have been released but one Amazon insider said: “We have made a significant investment.” The global deal commits the former Top Gear presenters to three seasons of the as yet unnamed show. Work on the first season is expected to start in the Autumn. Good news! I've got a job with @AmazonVideoUK . Bad news! So have the other two. #AmazonPrime #ItSaysHere — James May (@MrJamesMay) July 30, 2015 It is likely to go head to head with the BBC’s new version of Top Gear, which generates around £50 million a year for the Corporation. The new Amazon show will not feature Top Gear’s mysterious driver The Stig. Jeremy Clarkson, who previously spoke of his sadness and deep regret at leaving the BBC said today: “I feel like I’ve climbed out of a bi-plane and into a spaceship.” Richard Hammond added: “Amazon? Oh yes. I have already been there.

I got bitten by a bullet ant.” James May said: “We have become part of the new age of smart TV. Ironic, isn’t it?” As well as the substantial financial rewards on offer, the three are said to have been attracted by a pledge by Amazon to give them a free creative rein to make the shows they want. I've got a job I've got a job I've got a job. Haircut, clean jeans and practice driving again. Forrrrwaaaaaaaard!! — Richard Hammond (@RichardHammond) July 30, 2015 The commitment follows years of controversy at the BBC with rows over a series of gaffes and insults, including most seriously Clarkson’s apparent use of the N-word when mumbling the “eeny meeny miny moe” nursery rhyme. The rows culminated in a trip to Argentina last year when a number plate alleged to refer to the Falklands War triggered riots that forced the presenters to flee the country. Jay Marine, vice president of Amazon Prime Video EU, said: “Customers told us they wanted to see the team back on screen, and we are excited to make that happen. “Millions of Prime members are already enjoying our ground-breaking original shows.

We can’t wait to see what Jeremy, Richard, James and the team will create in what is sure to be one of the most globally anticipated shows of 2016.” The new version of Top Gear will lead a growing list of original TV content commissioned by Amazon for 2015 and 2016. They include US psychological thriller Hand of God starring Ron Perlman and Dana Delany, Eighties comedy Red Oaks, counterfactual post-Second World War drama The Man in the High Castle and docu-series, The New Yorker Presents. It is also making a fourth series of Victorian crime drama Ripper Street, starring Matthew Macfadyen. Mr Marine added: “This is a golden age of television, a great time for TV makers and storytellers. Our approach is to give programme makers creative freedom to be innovative and make the shows they want to make. This is just the start, you should expect to see more world-leading talent and the biggest shows on Prime Video.” Amazon Prime is available online and through a mobile app called Amazon Video. It provides free access to around 15,000 movies and TV episodes as well as around 50,000 more to rent or buy.

Jeremy Clarkson reunites with Top Gear co-stars Richard Hammond and James May | Daily Mail Online comments For Top Gear fans still struggling to deal with Jeremy Clarkson's firing from the show, his reunion with former co-stars Richard Hammond and James May on Thursday will be greeted with delight. While the trio may not ever appear on the BBC programme together again, they were hard at work on their new arena tour, Clarkson, Hammond & May Live. The tour is a rebranding of Top Gear Live and despite the controversy over the past few months, which began when Clarkson punched producer Oisin Tymon and ended with his sacking, the three presenters appeared to be in high spirits as they got to work on the show. Scroll down for video Look who's back; Jeremy Clarkson reunited with James May and Richard Hammond to work on their arena tour, Clarkson, Hammond and May, in Hampshire on Thursday Indeed, no one looked happier than Clarkson, 54, who was spotted chucking loudly as he chatted with May and Hammond and production crew. Casually dressed in jeans, a quilted jacked and a shirt, he seems to be taking his dismissal from Top Gear quite well.

Both Hammond, 45, and 52-year-old May have been supportive of Clarkson throughout, with the presenters insisting they would not work on the programme without Jeremy. Same tour, different brand: The new arena tour is a rebranding of the trio's Top Gear Live but was changed after Clarkson was fired from the BBC for punching producer Oisin Tymon James ruled out claims that they could film the programme with a stand-in for Clarkson. He said: 'Me and Hammond with a surrogate Jeremy is a non-starter, it just wouldn't work. That would be lame, or 'awks' as young people say. 'It has to be the three of us. You can't just put a surrogate Jeremy in and expect it to carry on. It would be forced. I don't believe they would be stupid enough to try that.' more videos Kaley Cuoco celebrates Big Bang Theory win at People's Choice The boys are back: Clarkson, May and Hammond enjoyed a catch up as they got to work on preparations for their arena tour He added: 'It doesn't mean I won't go back - we may all go back in the future. It might just be we have a break from it. I don't know.

It would be a bloody tough call to do Top Gear without Jeremy.' Hammond also appeared to dispel any such move, tweeting: 'Not about to quit my mates.' He told reporters at a charity bike rally recently that the future will be 'exciting' for the three men, but refused to speculate further on the future of Top Gear. What drama? The three presenters put the previous turmoil behind them and appeared to be loving the chance to work together again Boys and their toys! They filmed a segment involving dirt bikes for Hammond and May and bizarrely, a wheelbarrow for Clarkson Can't contain themselves: While Jeremy's experiment appeared to go wrong, his co-stars couldn't resist laughing at him He said: 'Everybody knows what's happened. That's all been in the news. The future, nobody knows yet do they? 'And I cannot and won't speculate further than that. So don't know, let's see. It'll be exciting whatever.' The BBC issued a statement recently, revealing that Top Gear Live would go ahead despite Jeremy's sacking, but after undergoing a rebrand.

more videos Kaley Cuoco celebrates Big Bang Theory win at People's Choice Doing what he loves: It was a high spirited Jeremy who showed up to work on Thursday, no doubt delighted to have reunited with his colleagues Supportive: Both Hammond, 45, and 52-year-old May have been supportive of Clarkson throughout, with the presenters insisting they would not work on the programme without Jeremy Plenty to look forward to: Creative Director Rowland French said: 'The three presenters have been working incredibly hard to make sure it's better than ever before, and I'm certainly looking forward to seeing them back doing what they do best' Reunited: For Top Gear fans still struggling to deal with Jeremy Clarkson's firing from the show, his reunion with former co-stars Richard Hammond and James May on Thursday will be greeted with delight. It read: 'So as not to disappoint the thousands of people around the world who have already purchased tickets, BBC Worldwide has agreed with our joint venture partner Brand Events that the remainder of the tour can continue. These events will not however feature any BBC Top Gear branding or content.

We believe this is a sensible approach in the circumstances.' Creative Director Rowland French said: 'The three presenters have been working incredibly hard to make sure it's better than ever before, and I'm certainly looking forward to seeing them back doing what they do best. If you love the three boys, then this is the only place to see them!' Brand Events added: 'This is a great solution for the fans. We'd like to thank our ticket holders for their continued patience. The fans are the most important people to Jeremy, Richard and James so we're delighted to be able to say 'we're still coming'. We're sure it'll be something you won't want to miss.' more videos Kaley Cuoco celebrates Big Bang Theory win at People's Choice Ruled out: James ruled out claims that they could film the programme with a stand-in for Clarkson.He said: 'Me and Hammond with a surrogate Jeremy is a non-starter, it just wouldn't work.

That would be lame, or 'awks' as young people say' Standing by his pal: Hammond also appeared to dispel any such move, tweeting: 'Not about to quit my mates' No branding: While the show is simply the Top Gear Live show in another format, it won't feature any Top Gear branding They gathered together in the market town of Petersfield in Hampshire on Thursday to prepare for the tour, after enjoying a meal at the Earl Of March pub in Sussex the night before. Sources told MailOnline that there were eight people at the dinner, Didn’t get much but had a brief chat to one worker at the pub who said this: Clarkson, Hammond, May, a female friend of Clarkson’s, and four others, one of whom was thought to be an agent. Back in business: With Jeremy leading the way, it didn't take the trio long to fall back into their old rhythm He's got the giggles!

While Jeremy looked serious, Richard couldn't help breaking into laughter Not just supercars; Top Gear has won fans all around the world for its mix of fast cars and ridiculous stunts The pub is just a 24 minute drive to Petersfield and about five minutes from Goodwood where the trio were said to be secretly filming after Chris Evans first sparked a rumour on on Radio 2. The source said staff had no idea the Top Gear crew were the table of eight that had booked but Clarkson and his friend arrived first, followed by the others. Everyone in the pub was quite relaxed, with no one asking for autographs although the group were placed in the private dining room, not in the main part of the pub or restaurant. What's that coming over the hill... is it a monster (truck!): There were all sorts of vehicles on set on Thursday as the trio got to work Not afraid to chip in: James was spotted lugging a bucket around as they prepared for filming ahead of the tour It has been speculated that Clarkson's sacking could cost the BBC up to £67million a year, the amount it makes selling the show in more than 200 countries and add-ons such as live shows and magazine sales.

There is now a bidding war for Clarkson's services, who is likely to take Richard Hammond and James May with him, but despite Rupert Murdoch calling his sacking 'stupid' it appears Sky will not take him on. James May said today: 'I can't see Jeremy Clarkson having very many serious problems in his working life in the long run. He's extremely good at what he does.' Like they were never apart: The trio laughed and joked in between takes, putting all of the past drama behind them This is how we do it: Clarkson appeared to be in his element as he chatted to staff as they set up a take Sky are said to have pulled out of the race to sign the star, 54, for a new driving show because bosses fear he is no longer family friendly. A Sky senior source told RadioTimes.com that the broadcaster was 'not interested' in signing him, adding: 'We couldn't put Jeremy Clarkson on any Sky channels, especially those which are part of a family package deal and then face another controversy round the corner'. But it may be Netflix – which has a £3.4billion programming budget – who may be best placed to woo Clarkson.

THE BBC MONEY-SPINNER: HOW TOP GEAR MAKES THEM £67M A YEAR The BBC could lose as much as £67million a year now Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson has been sacked. The star helped relaunch the ailing show in 2002, turning it into a worldwide hit. Now the corporation's commercial arm rakes in an estimated £50million a year from selling the rights to Top Gear overseas, with the show watched in 214 countries around the world. On top of that, BBC Worldwide makes millions more from Top Gear Magazine and live shows in the UK and abroad, as well as sales of DVDs. The BBC could lose tens of millions of pounds in annual profit after giving Clarkson his marching orders, with the sale of the show overseas making £50million alone. Top Gear Magazine has a global circulation of 1.7 million, bringing in another estimated £7.4million - not including profit from advertising, as well as the costs of producing and shipping the magazine. The motoring programme was also set to make around £7.35million in sales of tickets to its 14 live shows in the UK this year.

The BBC's loss could be another broadcaster's gain, with rivals ITV and Netflix set to compete for Clarkson's signature. Industry insiders believe that he would be given complete control of any new Top Gear-inspired show. The online subscription video service does not depend on advertising income, so would allow him free rein to make controversial remarks about cars, without the risk of offending customers. Clarkson, who is worth £30million, could make much more money than from his previous BBC deal. Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales, tweeted: 'Jeremy Clarkson will start his own show syndicated worldwide and own the rights and make a billion dollars. You heard it here first.' Media commentator Neil Midgley told The Times: 'It would be a really interesting hire for Netflix as Clarkson is one of the very few examples of onscreen British talent who is not a film star but has global appeal, which is what Netflix wants. 'The danger of going to ITV or Sky is that he launches some less than Top Gear programme — a Second Gear — which is a pale imitation and they find that he isn't, in himself, that big a draw.' BBC creative director Alan Yentob said he would not rule out Clarkson returning to the BBC 'but that's not for now'.

Mr Yentob also said he hoped Hammond and May would stay - but this is said to be hanging in the balance after their friend's sacking. Revealing the sacking , Lord Hall, the Director General of the BBC, said: 'It is with great regret that I have told Jeremy Clarkson that the BBC will not be renewing his contract. It is not a decision I have taken lightly. For me a line has been crossed'. It emerged that Clarkson would still be paid and employed by the BBC until his contract expired at the end of March. Based on reports of his estimated £1million annual salary, it means the BBC will have paid him nearly £74,000 from the point he was suspended until the end of March. The star changed his Twitter biography to say he 'used to be a presenter on Top Gear'. Co-star May called the decision a 'tragedy' and said he, Clarkson and Richard Hammond 'come as a package', suggesting that all three are likely to leave the BBC. May also hinted that his future with Top Gear may be over, after changing his Twitter biography to describe himself as a 'former TV presenter.' Hammond tweeted shortly afterwards: 'Gutted at such a sad end to an era.

We're all three of us idiots in our different ways but it's been an incredible ride together'. Clarkson was suspended for punching Mr Tymon in the face when he was offered a plate of cold cuts instead of steak and chips after a long day of filming. The BBC found Clarkson spent 20 minutes verbally abusing the producer in a luxury North Yorkshire hotel before launching a 30-second physical assault that led to another member of staff dragging him away.

Mr Tymon said after the sacking: 'He is a unique talent and I am well aware that many will be sorry his involvement in the show should end in this way' Loss: The BBC could lose as much as £67million a year now Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson has been sacked Worldwide hit: Jeremy, James and Richard helped relaunch the ailing show, turning it into a worldwide hit Where it all went wrong: Clarkson was suspended for punching Mr Tymon in the face when he was offered a plate of cold cuts instead of steak and chips after a long day of filming Big loss: The BBC could lose tens of millions of pounds in annual profit after giving Clarkson his marching orders, with the sale of the show overseas making £50million alone The end: Revealing the sacking , Lord Hall, the Director General of the BBC, said: 'It is with great regret that I have told Jeremy Clarkson that the BBC will not be renewing his contract. It is not a decision I have taken lightly.

For me a line has been crossed' FRACAS: BOOZING, 40-MINUTE TIRADE AND A FAT LIP FOR THE PRODUCER Victim: Top Gear producer Oisin Tymon The unsavoury incident unfolded in March when Jeremy Clarkson and his fellow Top Gear presenters Richard Hammond and James May belatedly arrived at a luxury hotel following a drinking session. The presenters were scheduled to arrive at Simonstone Hall Hotel in the Yorkshire Dales at 8pm after travelling by helicopter following a day of filming at the programme's studios in Dunsfold, Surrey. But the trio ignored the pre-arranged plan and kept the helicopter waiting as they went to a local pub close to the studio for two hours. They eventually arrived at the four-star hotel, where more than ten rooms were booked at a cost of £5,760, after 10pm. Most of the production team had already gone to bed but Oisin Tymon stayed up to greet the group. Fury because the chef's left After being told the hotel's dinner service had ended and that the chef had gone home, the presenters were offered a cheese or meat platter, soup or a bar snack.

An irate Clarkson, who was said to have been drinking rosé wine, became incensed at the offer and ranted that it was 'ridiculous there was nothing to eat'. Perched at the hotel's bar, he shouted: 'He's f****** gone' as people tried to calm him down. His co-stars and other guests looked on in disbelief as he began to vent his anger at Mr Tymon, who he blamed for not organising a hot supper. The presenter used a multitude of expletives as he demanded a £21.95 8oz steak from the hotel's menu. He was eventually served a steak and peppercorn sandwich in a private room after the hotel's general manager Robert Scott agreed to cook a late-night dinner for the trio of presenters. Abuse ... and a vicious attack A small group of the Top Gear crew moved to a patio area located at the rear of the hotel, used by smokers and guests enjoying the stunning scenery. The enraged presenter continued his verbal tirade towards the producer, using the 'strongest expletives' as he threatened to sack him over the supposed mistake. After allegedly calling the producer a 'lazy Irish c***', Clarkson launched an extraordinary attack on Mr Tymon.

During the sustained outburst, he punched the producer, leaving him with a split lip and blood running down his face. Despite being assaulted for 30 seconds Mr Tymon did not retaliate and the attack was only stopped when a witness intervened. The 'fracas' occurred at Simonstone Hall Hotel in the Yorkshire Dales (pictured) following a day out filming The outbursts continue Clarkson returned to the hotel where he continued his loud and aggressive rant over a sustained period. He continued to direct his derogatory insults at Mr Tymon, before aiming his vitriol at other members of the Top Gear crew who had joined the group. His frequent outbursts – said to have lasted 40 minutes from start to finish - were so loud that guests in one of the hotel's bedrooms and in an adjoining dining room could hear the stream of abuse. The victim made a 70-minute journey to the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, where he received treatment for a swollen lip and dizziness. Attempts to apologise Clarkson made numerous attempts to apologise to Mr Tymon, who was convinced he had lost his job, both in person and by text message and email.

When the crew left the hotel three days later Clarkson told one member of staff: 'It's been really pleasant, apart from the obvious.' Production coordinator Emma Lawrence wrote in the hotel's guestbook that the team had had a 'wonderful, friendly and extremely accommodating stay'. Clarkson eventually referred himself to BBC management. Top Gear's Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May making show for Amazon - BBC News BBC News Top Gear's Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May making show for Amazon 30 July 2015 Close share panel Image copyright Amazon Prime Video Image caption Jeremy Clarkson said the move was like climbing 'out of a biplane and into a spaceship' Former Top Gear hosts Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May have signed up to present a new show on Amazon's streaming video service. The trio will front three series of a new motoring programme for Amazon Prime, with the first season to be made available worldwide in 2016. The move follows their departure from the hit BBC Two show earlier this year. Clarkson's contract was not renewed following an "unprovoked physical attack" on a Top Gear producer. His co-hosts then followed him in leaving the show.

They will now make the unnamed new programme with former Top Gear executive producer Andy Wilman, who also quit the BBC following the "fracas" . In a statement from Amazon, Clarkson said: "I feel like I've climbed out of a biplane and into a spaceship." Hammond said: "Amazon? Oh yes. I have already been there. I got bitten by a bullet ant." And May added: "We have become part of the new age of smart TV. Ironic, isn't it?" Wilman told the Radio Times the team would begin working on the new series as soon as they return from their summer holidays. He said they agreed a deal with Amazon because "they'll give us the freedom to make the programme we want...there's a budget to produce programmes of the quality we want and this is the future". Wilman added the format of the new show would contain "themes people will be familiar with". "I can't tell you how good it feels to get the chance to produce something from scratch," he said. "We're all really excited. No one telling us what we can and can't do, just us hopefully producing great programmes.

It feels really liberating." Analysis - Mark Savage, BBC entertainment reporter Rumours that Clarkson, May and Hammond would take their blokey bonhomie to a streaming service have been circulating for months. It's a shrewd move. For a start, Amazon doesn't have to bow to pressure from advertisers, particularly those car manufacturers the team regularly skewers. Secondly, it neatly sidesteps the much-reported clause in the presenters' BBC contracts that prevented them making a show for a UK broadcaster for two years. More importantly, the team already have a proven track record in streaming video. Top Gear accounted for eight of the top 20 most-streamed programmes on the BBC's iPlayer last year, with one episode watched by 3.8 million people. But we may never know whether the gang's new show reaches those heights. Amazon, in common with Netflix, does not publish viewing figures. Amazon Prime Video EU vice-president Jay Marine said: "Customers told us they wanted to see the team back on screen, and we are excited to make that happen.

"We can't wait to see what Jeremy, Richard, James and the team will create in what is sure to be one of the most globally anticipated shows of 2016." The Amazon deal is part of a manoeuvre by the company to compete with traditional broadcasters and streaming rivals like Netflix. Amazon has also signed up Woody Allen to make his first television series; resurrected drama Ripper Street after it was axed by the BBC; and won awards and acclaim for its dark comedy Transparent. Mr Marine said it was "a golden age of television, [and] a great time for TV makers and storytellers". He added: "Our approach is to give programme makers creative freedom to be innovative and make the shows they want to make." Image caption The trio helped make Top Gear one of the BBC's most successful shows Image caption Jenson Button appeared on Top Gear in 2009, and is now tipped to become one of its new hosts Meanwhile, Top Gear will continue on BBC Two, with Chris Evans among the new hosts. Lisa Clark, who worked with Evans on The Big Breakfast, has just been announced as the show's new producer. "Lisa is as good as it gets when it comes to making big, important television shows," Evans said.

The presenter also fuelled rumours that Formula 1 driver Jenson Button was "in talks" to co-present the show when he read out a Daily Mail article on his BBC Radio 2 radio show. "They say an announcement is imminent," Evans teased. Neither the BBC nor Button's spokesman would comment on the speculation. Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May sign up for new show with Amazon Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May sign up for new show with Amazon July 30, 2015 by hellomagazine.com Former Top Gear presenters Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May have signed a deal to present a new motoring show on Amazon's streaming service Former Top Gear presenters Jeremy Clarkson , Richard Hammond and James May have signed a deal to present a new motoring show on Amazon's streaming service. The programme, which is due to air in 2016, will see the trio reunite to create a rival programme to their popular BBC show. The new show will be produced by former Top Gear executive and Jeremy's old school friend Andy Wilman, who has been credited with transforming the motoring programme into such a global success.

CLICK ON PHOTOS TO ENLARGE Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May have signed a deal with Amazon The deal ends months of speculation over Jeremy's future projects after he dramatically exited the BBC in March following a "fracas" with producer Oisin Tymon. While he initially admitted to being upset that his contract was not renewed by BBC director general Tony Hall, Jeremy seemed more upbeat after news of his Amazon deal was announced on Thursday. "I feel like I've climbed out of a bi-plane and into a spaceship," he joked in a statement from Amazon. Jeremy's colleagues Richard and James appeared equally happy with their new deal, after previously saying that working with Jeremy's replacement Chris Evans would have been a "non-starter". Jeremy exited the BBC in March James said on Thursday: "We have become part of the new age of smart TV. Ironic, isn't it?" The trio are committed to present three seasons of the new show, which has not yet been named. They are expected to begin work in autumn after completing their world tour, with the show likely to be pitted against BBC's new version of Top Gear.

Jay Marine, vice president of Amazon Prime Video EU, confirmed the new signing and said they "can't wait" to see what Jeremy, James and Richard will create. "Customers told us they wanted to see the team back on screen, and we are excited to make that happen," he said. "Millions of Prime members are already enjoying our ground-breaking original shows. We can't wait to see what Jeremy, Richard, James and the team will create in what is sure to be one of the most globally anticipated shows of 2016." James May and Richard Hammond refuse to film Top Gear without Jeremy Clarkson - Telegraph James May and Richard Hammond refuse to film Top Gear without Jeremy Clarkson The two co-hosts rejected an offer to present the last three shows without the suspended star Top Gear presenters James May, Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond Photo: EPA Follow Top Gear could have stayed on air without Jeremy Clarkson - but his co-hosts reportedly refused to present the show without him. James May and Richard Hammond were offered the chance to front the motoring show during Clarkson’s suspension , according to a BBC executive. Discussions were held about broadcasting the last three episodes with mainly recorded segments while the two co-stars filmed the studio parts.

However the BBC insider told the Mirror that May and Hammond rejected the offer and refused to go on air without their long-time colleague. The source said: "They didn't want to do it without Jeremy so the talks didn't get off the ground. "There is a feeling that it is all of them or none of them." Clarkson expects to learn his fate this week. He and Oisin Tymon, the Top Gear producer he is accused of punching in a row over catering , have given their evidence to the official BBC inquiry led by Ken McQuarrie, head of BBC Scotland. Both are thought to have had lawyers present. It is now up to Lord Hall, the director-general, to assess both sides and decide if Clarkson should be sacked. Another BBC executive told the Sun: “The whole thing has been a nightmare, we just want it over. “Our priority has to be the person who has allegedly been attacked but we are between a rock and a hard place.” The remaining episodes of Top Gear are on hold, with the BBC moving a travel documentary with Simon Reeves into its Sunday slot this week. That decision has already cost BBC Two four million listeners.

Richard Hammond posted a cyptic tweet on Wednesday in which he said his job was "in the holding pattern". 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 A BBC spokesman said: “We have an investigation ongoing and we won’t comment further until that is concluded.” Jeremy Clarkson's gaffes July 2008: Drink-driving BBC bosses told Clarkson off for supping a gin and tonic while behind the wheel of a pick-up truck November 2008: Lorry drivers With reference to convicted killer Steve Wright, Clarkson joked on the show about how lorry drivers "murder prostitutes" February 2009: Gordon Brown The then prime minister was dismissed as a "one-eyed Scottish idiot" during a press conference in Australia. October 2009: Black Muslim Lesbians Clarkson said that the BBC was obsessed with hiring black, Muslim lesbians to counter the number of white heterosexuals in its ranks.

July 2010: Burkas and lingerie During a Top Gear discussion on distractions while driving: “Honestly, the burka doesn’t work. I was in a cab in Piccadilly the other day when a woman in a full burka crossing the road in front of me tripped over the pavement, went head over heels and up it came, red g-string and stockings.” August 2010: Special needs Clarkson referred to a Ferrari as 'special needs' and a 'simpleton' as a way of giving it a bad review. February 2011: Mexico Top Gear viewers' fury after Jeremy Clarkson signs Amazon streaming deal | Daily Mail Online comments Top Gear viewers today expressed their anger at how they will have to pay £79 a year to watch Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May’s new show on Amazon’s streaming service. The ex-BBC hosts announced a deal with the online giant this morning to present three seasons of the as-yet untitled programme, with work on the first series expected to begin this autumn. Amazon is said to be investing at least £20million in the hotly-anticipated show, including pay packets and production costs.

The programme will be available to Amazon Prime customers worldwide, but Top Gear fans took to Twitter to voice their fury at how the show will no longer be on terrestrial television. Scroll down for video Signed for Amazon: Former BBC Top Gear presenters James May, Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond Hosts on tour: Hammond, Clarkson and May at the Allphones Arena in Sydney, Australia, last Saturday One of the many unimpressed fans of the show was Becky Twynham, who tweeted: 'So you now have to pay to watch Jeremy Clarkson and crew. Nah, I'll stick to reruns of Top Gear, thanks.' And maths student Alan Brook added: 'Can we keep signing up for new 30-day free trials of Amazon Prime whenever the new Top Gear is on? Don't really want to pay £79.' Meanwhile Adam Minford, from Antrim in Northern Ireland, tweeted: 'I love Top Gear but not enough to pay Amazon £80 for it. I'm sure I'll find another way.' Sources told MailOnline in March that ITV may have been preparing a £10million 'golden handcuffs' bid to lure Clarkson away from the BBC for at least one series of a new motoring show.

Above, the former Top Gear hosts pictured today RELATED ARTICLES Share this article Share But Jack Lazarski then compared the situation to watching on BBC Two: 'Basically have to pay £79 for Amazon Prime just to watch the new Top Gear. Still cheaper than a TV licence I suppose.' Hammond, Clarkson and May will be working with ex-Top Gear executive producer Andy Wilman. Clarkson - whose contract was not renewed by the BBC earlier this year after the infamous ‘fracas’ with producer Oisin Tymon - said: ‘I feel like I’ve climbed out of a bi-plane and into a spaceship.’ Turned off: One of the many unimpressed fans of the show was Becky Twynham, who tweeted: 'So you now have to pay to watch Jeremy Clarkson and crew. Nah, I'll stick to reruns of Top Gear, thanks' Thinking about it: Adam Minford, from Antrim in Northern Ireland, tweeted: 'I love Top Gear but not enough to pay Amazon £80 for it. I'm sure I'll find another way' Joke: Maths student Alan Brook added: 'Can we keep signing up for new 30-day free trials of Amazon Prime whenever the new Top Gear is on?

Don't really want to pay £79' The announcement ends months of speculation about the trio's future after they left the BBC amid much controversy following the incident at a hotel in North Yorkshire in March. Mr Wilman said today how the former Top Gear team were delighted to be ‘left alone’ to take the best of their old show after receiving the ‘strongest and most intelligent offer’ from Amazon. So you now have to pay to watch Jeremy Clarkson and crew. Nah, I'll stick to reruns of Top Gear, thanks Becky Twynham, Top Gear fan He told Broadcast magazine: ‘Everyone we have talked to has said to us: “They leave you alone to make your show”. That’s a big one for us - we don’t like interference, we don’t need to be policed… ‘You can’t reinvent the sideways, Last of the Summer Wine-type relationship they have because that is outside of television, that is theirs. But there will be a new look, new elements, new home.’ He added that he was starting to put together a crew for the show and wants a ‘s*** hot’ production manager, joking that the team used to ‘run f***ing riot with money” while at the BBC.

In a press release, May joked: ‘We have become part of the new age of smart TV. Ironic, isn't it?’ And Hammond added: ‘Amazon? Oh yes. I have already been there. I got bitten by a bullet ant.’ Tweet: Clarkson announced the deal on Twitter today, saying he was 'very excited' about the new show 'Good news' May joked in a tweet that 'the other two' have also got a job on the show with Amazon Prime 'I've got a job': Hammond appeared excited that he would have a haircut and be wearing clean jeans again PRODUCER WILMAN IN SWIPE AT BBC: 'WE DON'T NEED TO BE POLICED' Producer Andy Wilman today took a swipe at the BBC as he revealed one of the attractions of moving to Amazon were that they would be 'left alone' to make the show. Speaking today, he said: 'Everyone we have talked to has said to us: “They leave you alone to make your show”.

That’s a big one for us - we don’t like interference, we don’t need to be policed…' Wilman has previously been outspoken about his annoyance with the corporation for trying to interfere in the making of Top Gear, for example trying to make them include a female presenter. Speaking to Radiotimes.com, he added: 'The ITV thing was never really going to happen, but there has been lots of interest. 'They’ll give us the freedom to make the programmes we want – and you know how we love that freedom – there’s a budget to produce programmes of the quality we want and this is the future. 'No one telling us what we can and can’t do, just us hopefully producing great programmes. It feels really liberating.' Sources told MailOnline in March that ITV may have been preparing a £10million 'golden handcuffs' bid to lure Clarkson away from the BBC for at least one series of a new motoring show.

Happy: Former Top Gear executive producer Andy Wilman said how the team were delighted to be ‘left alone’ to take the best of their old show But it later emerged that Clarkson, 55, Hammond, 45, and May, 52, had been blocked from working for a rival British broadcaster for two years by a clause in their BBC contracts. However, despite the BBC's 'non-compete' clause, the hosts reportedly believed any new show could be shown online or, if an overseas production company was used, UK terrestrial channels. Clarkson, whose net worth is reportedly £30million, earned £14million after the BBC purchased the commercial rights to Top Gear three years ago. Top Gear is the BBC’s biggest global brand and is believed to be worth around £50million to the corporation’s commercial arm thanks to sales of the programme, DVDs, books and live shows. The Daily Mail reported last month how the BBC had offered May and Hammond a £4.6million deal for up to three years to continue hosting Top Gear for another two or three series.

It was thought they would have earned between £760,000 and £1.15million per year in the deal, which would have been an increase on the £500,000 per series they were previously paid. Clarkson earned nearly £1.5million a year as a Top Gear presenter. The new host was eventually announced five weeks ago as Chris Evans, whose three-year contract is said to be worth £3million. While the official title is still unconfirmed, Amazon Prime used the hashtag #Drive2Prime in its announcement on social media today - leading to speculation that this could be the name. Responses to this were unenthusiastic, with 'Super Chris' tweeting: ‘#Drive2Prime ... not the best name but if it's the same format as Top gear you can call it whatever you want.

#HappyChris.’ Presenting trio: Hammond, Clarkson, and May during their live tour at the Odyssey Arena in Belfast in May Joke: Clarkson said he Amazon had blocked him from becoming their 'chief drone pilot '- a reference to the Amazon Prime Air delivery system proposal which will use drones to deliver packages in 30 minutes or less Jay Marine, vice president of Amazon Prime Video EU, said: ‘Customers told us they wanted to see the team back on screen, and we are excited to make that happen. ‘Millions of Prime members are already enjoying our ground-breaking original shows. We can't wait to see what Jeremy, Richard, James and the team will create in what is sure to be one of the most globally anticipated shows of 2016. I feel like I’ve climbed out of a bi-plane and into a spaceship Jeremy Clarkson ‘This is a golden age of television, a great time for TV makers and storytellers. ‘Our approach is to give programme makers creative freedom to be innovative and make the shows they want to make.

This is just the start, you should expect to see more world-leading talent and the biggest shows on Prime Video.’ Clarkson left the show after assaulting producer Mr Tymon after reportedly hearing there was no hot food available at hotel in North Yorkshire after a day of filming. The attack lasted for around 30 seconds and Tymon was subjected to ‘derogatory and abusive language’ for a sustained period of time, according to the BBC investigation. The move is a major step into TV by Amazon who previously resurrected Ripper Street after it was axed by the BBC. However, the new show will not feature Top Gear’s mystery driver The Stig. Robert Taylor, commercial media lawyer at Cubism Law, said of the deal: ‘This appears to show the BBC’s two year restriction on the trio presenting rival motoring programmes only applied to other Broadcasters. Punched: Clarkson's contract was not renewed by the BBC after a ‘fracas’ with producer Oisin Tymon (above) ‘This loophole in the Top Gear contracts has allowed the team to move to a non-broadcast platform, Amazon Prime.

This may serve as a warning to broadcasters to widen the restrictions in their talent’s contracts across a wider platform than just terrestrial TV.’ Last week Seattle-based Amazon, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary, surpassed Asda owner Wal-Mart Stores to become the world's biggest retailer by market value. This is a mutually beneficial agreement. It sidesteps Clarkson and co’s clause in their BBC contracts that made it hard to work for a UK broadcaster for the next few years Kathleen Brooks, City Index Kathleen Brooks, research director at broker City Index, told MailOnline today: 'This is a big acquisition for Amazon Prime and makes it a real player in the streaming video/TV service sector. 'Although Amazon Prime has already launched some critically successful TV shows in recent years, this is the most populist move yet and groups Amazon Prime together with Netflix as a true threat to traditional TV channels and networks. 'This is a mutually beneficial agreement. It sidesteps Clarkson and co’s clause in their BBC contracts that made it hard to work for a UK broadcaster for the next few years.

'It also gives the Top Gear team the freedom from advertiser demands that is crucial for the independence of the show, which it also enjoyed at the BBC.' And XCAR.com editor Drew Stearne said: ‘Top Gear had evolved over the past 14 years to not only attract a colossal global audience but also to push the limits of what could be done on the BBC. ‘Clarkson, Hammond and May need a carte blanche from a broadcaster with the pockets to support what they need to do and Amazon should be able to provide both.’ HOW AMAZON PRIME IS MUSCLING IN ON THE BROADCASTING WORLD Amazon's deal with the former Top Gear team is another example of how internet firms are carving out their own corner of the broadcasting world. The firm - which started life in 1995 as an online book shop - and rivals such as Netflix are going beyond streaming other broadcaster's shows and moving into their own content. Clarkson, Hammond and May are not the first big names to join forces with Amazon - legendary filmmaker Woody Allen signed up with them to make his first ever TV series.

Online access: The new, as-yet untitled, show will be available to Amazon Prime customers around the world It also resurrected period crime drama, Ripper Street, after it was axed by the BBC and its comedy series Transparent has been a critical hit winning two Golden Globes. Amazon also uses its customer base to push its Prime service - earlier this week it announced a new music streaming app with more than a million songs available to users. And it celebrated its 20th birthday with the inaugural Prime Day, a global shopping event designed to drive subscriptions to its membership programme. Analysts believe Prime could be the first retail membership club to reach 100million, with the firm reporting worldwide year-on-year growth of the service of 53 per cent last year. Taken on: Amazon resurrected period crime drama Ripper Street (pictured), after it was axed by the BBC Anyone can sign up for Amazon Prime for £79 a year, although you can also get a 30-day free trial. Members can then watch films and TV shows using the Amazon Video app.

This is available on hundreds of devices including Amazon Fire TV, Fire TV Stick, Roku, smart TVs and Blu-ray players, the Xbox, PlayStation, and Wii game consoles. It can also be downloaded onto mobile devices such as Fire tablets, iPhones, iPads and Android tablets and phones. Customers of Prime can also watch online. It is more expensive than Netflix, which has plans from £5.99 a month, but the popularity of the Top Gear hosts gives Amazon an exclusive that Netflix cannot currently match. Netflix only launched in Britain three years ago, but it has soared in popularity thanks to hit series like Orange Is The New Black and House Of Cards, the political drama starring Kevin Spacey. More than one in ten households are thought to have signed up to the American streaming service, helping it to amass 4.5million customers by summer last year, according to researcher by Digital TV service. In its continuing bid to take on TV networks, Netflix is busy preparing a slew of original programming. To date, the site has already released eight series that are available only on the digital platform. And in December 2014, the company announced it hopes to have up to 20 original series running alongside its other shows and movies.

This is apparently a move to try and replicate the success of channels such as HBO. Racism rows, being forced to flee Argentina and the infamous 'fracas' with a producer: A 27-year timeline of BBC's Top Gear Jeremy Clarkson became the famous face of Top Gear - a motoring show he first appeared on almost 27 years ago. Following months of speculation about what his next career move would be after he was dropped, here is a series of events on Clarkson's path to Amazon. Clarkson in an early undated episode on Top Gear October 1988: Clarkson makes his first appearance on Top Gear, with a visibly more reserved on-screen persona than he later became known for. He commented on the Michael McIntyre chat show several years later that his accent in the early series was ‘incredible’. November 1999: MPs criticise the increasingly controversial show for being ‘too macho’ and for encouraging ‘irresponsible’ driving, but it continues to regularly pull in several million weekly viewers. February 2000: Clarkson leaves after more than a decade working on the motoring show, having described it in Top Gear magazine as ‘tedious’ in 1999.

October 2002: A revamped Top Gear is launched on the BBC with Clarkson returning to the helm. 2003: Clarkson drives a pick-up into a horse chestnut tree in a car park in Somerset, to test the strength of a Toyota. The BBC apologises to the parish council. November 2008: Clarkson makes a joke during an episode about lorry drivers murdering prostitutes, which attracts more than 1,000 complaints to the BBC. January 2011: Jokes made during the show about Mexicans, which include them being branded ‘lazy’, ‘feckless’ and ‘flatulent’, spark controversy and prompt an apology from the BBC to the Mexican ambassador. December 2011: During a 90-minute India special a car fitted with a toilet in the boot is described by Clarkson as ‘perfect for India because everyone who comes here gets the trots’. February 2012: Clarkson compares a Japanese car to people with growths on their faces. He is later found to have breached BBC guidelines.

May 2014: Clarkson is embroiled in controversy when it is claimed he used the n-word while reciting the nursery rhyme Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Moe during filming. July 2014: Top Gear is ruled to have breached broadcasting rules after Clarkson used the word ‘slope’ to describe an Asian man. October 2014: The Top Gear crew is forced to flee Argentina after trouble erupts when it emerges they were using a Porsche with the registration number H982 FKL, which some suggest could refer to the Falklands conflict of 1982. March 4, 2015: Following a day of filming in North Yorkshire, Clarkson assaults BBC producer Oisin Tymon after reportedly hearing there was no hot food available. The attack lasted for around 30 seconds and Tymon was subjected to ‘derogatory and abusive language’ for a sustained period of time, according to the BBC investigation. Tymon goes to A&E to have his injuries checked. March 9, 2015 Clarkson first reports to the BBC that he was involved in the incident.

March 10, 2015: The BBC suspends Clarkson and an investigation is launched, while all three remaining episodes of the series are postponed. March 11, 2015: Prime Minister David Cameron weighs into the row, calling Clarkson a ‘huge talent’ and saying he hopes the situation can be resolved so his children will not be left ‘heartbroken’. March 15, 2015: The BBC's decision to postpone the remaining episodes of Top Gear sees it lose millions of viewers. A Red Arrows documentary which is shown in place of the planned episode pulls in just one million viewers - compared with the five million who regularly tune in for the popular motoring show. March 19, 2015: Clarkson launches an expletive-laden broadside against BBC executives who he claim are about to sack him. He reveals he wants to do ‘one last ever lap’ of the Top Gear test track.

In video footage obtained by the Daily Mirror, Clarkson says: ‘I'll go down to Surrey and I'll do one last lap of that track before the f****** b******* sack me.’ March 20, 2015: A million-strong petition calling for Clarkson's reinstatement is delivered by tank to the BBC's headquarters. Someone dressed as the motoring show's enigmatic professional driver The Stig is on board as the military vehicle arrives outside New Broadcasting House, central London. March 22, 2015: Four Top Gear live shows that were scheduled to take place in Norway are postponed. March 24, 2015: The BBC denied it had made a decision following its internal investigation into what happened during the ‘fracas’ with Mr Tymon - and Clarkson's future - as reports suggested he would be sacked by the corporation. March 25, 2015: BBC director-general Tony Hall announces he will not be renewing Clarkson's contract, saying ‘a line has been crossed’ and that ‘there cannot be one rule for one and one rule for another’, but praises Clarkson's ‘huge talent’.

He also confirms that the BBC will attempt to make another series of Top Gear in 2016. June 16, 2015: Chris Evans is revealed as the new host of Top Gear. June 28, 2015: Top Gear's finale with Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May fails to break records when it bows out with 5.8 million viewers. July 30, 2015: It is announced that Clarkson, Hammond and May have signed a deal for a new motoring show with Amazon. Over and out: Top Gear's final episode with Clarkson, Hammond and May bowed out with 5.8million viewers HEAD-TO-HEAD: CLARKSON v EVANS IN CARS, DRIVING, CASH AND CAREERS With a new motoring show in town, it will be a case of Jeremy Clarkson v Chris Evans. But how do the two petrol-heads compare? Here is a look at the rivalry in numbers: CARS Evans takes the chequered flag for the most expensive. In 2010, the DJ shelled out £12 million for a 1960 Ferrari GTO, one of just 36 built.

The Radio 2 presenter added to his Ferrari collection last year, paying £2.27million at auction for a 1971 Daytona Spyder. In comparison, Clarkson's Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder only cost him a measly £147,000. DRIVING Both men have been handed driving bans for speeding. In 2001, Evans was banned from the road for 56 days for driving his Ferrari 550 Maranello at 105mph in a 70mph zone in Esher, Surrey. Clarkson was given a three-month ban by the French authorities in 2013 for driving his Aston Martin Vanquish at 88mph. Rivalry: With a new motoring show in town, it will be a case of Chris Evans (left) v Jeremy Clarkson (right) MONEY Clarkson's net worth is reportedly £30million. He earned £14million after the BBC purchased the commercial rights to Top Gear back in 2012. But Evans trumps that with a fortune in the region of £50million. He made a fortune with the sale of his Ginger Media Group.

BBC CAREERS Evans first worked for the BBC in 1995 when he joined the Radio 1 Breakfast Show. He quit two years later, before returning to Radio 2 in 2005. Clarkson's career with the corporation stretches back 27 years to 1988 when he first joined Top Gear. In 2002, Clarkson and executive producer Andy Wilman re-launched the show in its current format. SOCIAL MEDIA Clarkson has a powerful social media presence with 5.42million followers on Twitter. Evans lags behind with 1.94 million. NUMBER OF TIMES FIRED The pair draw 1-1 for this round. Clarkson was let go from Top Gear in March for punching a producer. Back in 2001, Evans was sacked by Virgin Radio for a ‘breach of contract’ after he failed to turn up for his presenting slot for six consecutive days.

Question: What programme would feature James May, Richard Hammond, and Jeremy Clarkson as presenters?
Answer: Top Gear