Popular Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond, who is recovering from a horrifying high speed crash, has been offered a £2 million "golden handcuffs" deal by the BBC.
The Beeb is keen to hang onto the 36-year-old presenter, who suffered severe injuries when he was driving a jet-powered dragster while recording an episode of the top car show. "The BBC sees Richard as one of their top presenters, someone to be cherished," a source is quoted as saying.
A BBC spokesperson confirmed that Richard has signed an exclusive two-year deal.
Although still suffering short-term memory loss as a result of the accident, Richard, who goes by the nickname Hamster, is reportedly keen to get back to work on the show, which he co-presents with Jeremy Clarkson. "He wants Top Gear to run and run. He has such a great time on the show and he is always thrilled to be going in to work," said a source close to the TV personality.
And in a first step on the road back to his former role Richard is scheduled to take part in the Birmingham motor show next weekend. "Nothing has been confirmed yet, but discussions about his appearance have taken place. If the doctors give him the OK, then Richard could make it," confirmed a representative for the programme.
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