Following the news that he would not be returning to Top Gear, Jeremy Clarkson has said that he "will miss" being on the BBC Two car show. Speaking in his first column for the Sun since leaving the programme, the presenter reflected on his departure and his fans' support. "Heartfelt thanks to all those who have written to say how much they will miss me on Top Gear," he wrote. "It's not as much, however, as I'll miss being there. "The 55-year-old did not add anything more about the incident that prompted his exit from the show.
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe presenter says he will miss being on Top Gear
Jeremy was initially suspended by the BBC on 10 March following what was described by as a "fracas" with Top Gear producer Oisin Tymon.The decision divided opinion. While some said that the altercation, which was eventually proven to have been "verbal and physical", meant Jeremy should not be allowed to resume his presenting role, more than a million Top Gear fans signed an online petition calling for the BBC to reinstate him.According to the BBC, the row, which took place in a Yorkshire hotel, "occurred because no hot food was provided following a day's filming. "After an internal investigation, the BBC's director general Tony Hall confirmed on 25 March that after 13 years on the programme, Jeremy's contract would not be renewed.
Jeremy worked on Top Gear for 13 years
Lord Hall said that the decision had "not taken this decision lightly" but added that "a line had been crossed" and he "cannot condone what has happened on this occasion".While Top Gear may have lost it's main presenter, one of the BBC’s highest-paid stars, the future looks hopeful for fans of the show."The BBC must now look to renew Top Gear for 2016," said Lord Hall. "This will be a big challenge and there is no point in pretending otherwise. I have asked Kim Shillinglaw to look at how best we might take this forward over the coming months. I have also asked her to look at how we put out the last programmes in the current series."
