Jeremy Clarkson finally emerged from his west London home this evening, making his first public appearance since learning he will not be returning to Top Gear.
The 54-year-old, whose contract on the BBC motoring show is not being renewed following his altercation with producer Oisin Tymon, set off on a form of transport you wouldn’t necessarily associate with him – a bicycle.
Clarkson has been less than complimentary about cyclists in the past. Perhaps the memories of the good times on Top Gear are just too painful for him to be able to drive a car right now.
It's middle of the road point-makers like this who make car drivers so angry about cyclists. pic.twitter.com/4vCcK548t1
— Jeremy Clarkson (@JeremyClarkson) January 10, 2014
Clarkson had been holed up all day since the news emerged he would not be returning to the popular BBC show.
BBC director-general Tony Hall said the decision had been taken with “great regret” but that Clarkson’s attack on show producer Tymon meant “a line has been crossed”.
Clarkson briefly emerged earlier in the day but made no comment. As he left on his bike this evening past photographers and TV cameras, he said: “Excuse me gentlemen, thank you.” Asked by reporters what his reaction was, Clarkson said “I’m off out, sorry,” before riding away.
Clarkson and his co-hosts, James May and Richard Hammond, were scheduled to take part in four live Top Gear shows in Norway this week, but it was announced on Sunday that they had been postponed. The future of May and Hammond remains unclear.
An official statement from James May’s agent said: “James was disappointed to hear that the BBC will not be renewing Jeremy’s contract, however understands that it will have been a difficult deliberation all round and respects the decision.
“As to the future of Top Gear, it existed before its current format and will no doubt continue to do so. James’ involvement in that future requires much thought, deliberation and conversation between many people, and at this moment further speculation on that is not useful.
“James will be making no further comment at this time.”
Meanwhile, Downing Street said Prime Minister David Cameron, a personal friend of Clarkson, believes that “if you do something wrong at work there can be consequences” and that “aggressive and abusive behaviour is not acceptable in the workplace”.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article