The BBC is expected to scrap the remainder of the current Top Gear TV series after allegations that presenter Jeremy Clarkson punched a producer.
The broadcaster said Clarkson, 54, had been suspended after what it called a “fracas” and has confirmed Sunday’s episode of Top Gear will not be shown.
It is understood the two final episodes in the series will also be dropped.
Clarkson has not issued a statement, but has been joking on Twitter about films that could replace Sunday’s show.
The Sun newspaper, in which Clarkson writes a regular column, quotes him as saying: “I’m having a nice cold pint and waiting for this to blow over.” It also quotes a “source close to the star” denying Clarkson punched anyone.
And a petition calling for the BBC to “reinstate Jeremy Clarkson” started by political blogger Guido Fawkes has been signed by more than 120,000 people since it was launched on Tuesday afternoon.
Top Gear is presented by James May, Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond
The BBC had announced Clarkson’s suspension in a statement which said: “Following a fracas with a BBC producer, Jeremy Clarkson has been suspended pending an investigation.
“No one else has been suspended. Top Gear will not be broadcast this Sunday. The BBC will be making no further comment at this time.”
‘Sorry Ed’
BBC News special correspondent Lucy Manning said sources had confirmed reports the presenter was suspended for “allegedly hitting a producer”.
“The incident is believed to have happened last week, but was reported to the BBC on Monday and dealt with on Tuesday,” she said.
“The next two episodes of Top Gear will not be broadcast and it’s understood that a third programme, the final of the series, is unlikely to be transmitted.”
Clarkson has exchanged suggestions on Twitter with Top Gear co-hosts Richard Hammond and James May about films that could be aired in place of the Sunday’s planned …read more
Source:: BBC Entertainment
