Yes, the news is finally official and Top Gear lovers the world over can begin the mourning process…Jeremy Clarkson has been fired by the BBC.

Despite more than a million people signing an online petition to keep Clarkson on as one of the Top Gear presenters the BBC today officially announced their decision to not renew his contract. The BBC reports the news as follows:

[BBC director general] Lord Hall said he had “not taken this decision lightly” and recognised it would “divide opinion”.

However, he added “a line has been crossed” and he “cannot condone what has happened on this occasion”.

This is off the back of Clarkson’s altercation with producer Oisin Tymon, although I’m sure his rant at the BBC didn’t help his cause. Here’s a BBC  correspondent analysing the decision:

…this sacking has nothing to do with style, opinions, popularity – or even his language on the show.

It’s about what stars are allowed to get away with off screen, a topic that’s been top of the agenda for the BBC in recent months.

The corporation has had to overhaul all of its policies and attitudes towards bullying and harassment, and a long verbal tirade and a physical assault would have crossed the line for any member of staff.

Clarkson may be popular with the audience, and the BBC really did not want to lose him, but this was a star who admitted he was on his final warning and a corporation that was under intense scrutiny over what its top talent can and cannot get away with.

Here’s a little breakdown of just how popular the show is around the world.

The man who is leading bookies’ betting to replace him, Radio 2 DJ Chris Evans, rubbished reports linking him to the job and had this to say on his radio show:

From what I’ve seen on Twitter and various social media, there’s a 50/50 split approximately as to whether me being involved in the show is a good idea.

In TV or radio, if you get a 50/50 love/hate reaction that usually equals massive hit. I used to work for [ratings body] Barb and knock on people’s doors and this was the rule of thumb.

However, I’m in the no camp. So regardless of whether it would be a hit, I’m voting a no for myself on that show, so that’s never going happen.

And that’s the end of that.

Sorry Clarkson fans, it looks like his goose is cooked. I’m sure speculation on his replacement is set to rage in the coming days and weeks so we’ll keep a keen eye on that and keep you in the loop.

[source:bbc]