BBC: Jeremy Clarkson’s Top Gear contract will not be renewed

The BBC on Wednesday confirmed it will not renew presenter Jeremy Clarkson’s contract when it expires at the end of the month following a fight with a producer  on his show “Top Gear” over a lack of hot food. The announcement was at 2pm UK on BBC radio following days of feverish anticipation around the world regarding the fate of the hugely popular yet divisive star.

BBC's director general Tony Hall said in a statement that 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".

The BBC has not revealed whether it plans to continue with Top Gear, which reportedly brings in GBP50million a year for for the broadcaster's commercial arm, BBC Worldwide and draws more than 350 million viewers around the world. Clarkson’s co-stars James May and Richard Hammond have indicated they will not remain with the show without Clarkson, and their contracts are also up for renewal next week.

According to the Telegraph, an internal investigation found that Clarkson verbally abused producer Tymon Oisin for 20 minutes, before launching a 30-second physical assault on him.