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The “fracas” that led to Jeremy Clarkson’s suspension reportedly erupted because the Top Gear host could not order a steak.

The details emerged after David Cameron backed the star, calling him a “huge talent” and saying he hoped the situation could be resolved so his children would not be left “heartbroken”.

Clarkson is alleged to have punched Top Gear producer Oisin Tymon during what the corporation officially described as a “fracas”.

Reports suggest the star had been unhappy at being unable to get hot food at Simonstone Hall Hotel near Hawes, North Yorkshire, where the crew were staying after filming.

Mail sister paper the Daily Mirror reported the hotel’s chef had gone home by the time they arrived and the stars were offered cold meat platters, although the presenter requested a £21.95 steak.

The paper quoted a source who claimed Clarkson blamed Mr Tymon for not arranging hot food and described the incident as a “scuffle”. The hotel’s general manager then cooked the meal for the star, the source claimed.

The Mirror quoted Clarkson, when asked if he was concerned about losing his position at the BBC, as saying: “Well it’s coming, isn’t it? Honestly, it’s very soon. Let’s just let sleeping dogs lie for the moment.”

Earlier Clarkson - who is a friend of the Prime Minister and lives in his Witney constituency in Oxfordshire - laughed off his latest controversy, telling reporters he was “just off to the job centre”, but said he has regrets about what happened.

On a visit to Birmingham Mr Cameron said: “I don’t know exactly what happened. He is a constituent of mine, he is a friend of mine, he is a huge talent.

“I see that he said he regrets some of what happened. All I would say - because he is a talent and he does amuse and entertain so many people, including my children who’ll be heartbroken if Top Gear is taken off air - I hope this can be sorted out because it is a great programme and he is a great talent.”

Jeremy Clarkson joked around with his co-stars Richard Hammond and James May on social media as news broke of his suspension from Top Gear.

The presenter responded to Tweets posted by Solihull’s Hammond following reports that he had been involved in an alleged fracas with a producer over an argument about catering.

May was first to Tweet about the incident yesterday posting: “No Top Gear this weekend, apparently. How about 633 Squadron instead? @JeremyClarkson @RichardHammond.”

Richard Hammond responded with another attempt at making light of the situation, adding: “No, surely, Last of the Summer Wine; no one will notice the difference. Job done. @MrJamesMay @JeremyClarkson.”

And Jeremy then got involved too, writing: “No no no. Where Eagles Dare. Much better.”

The BBC’s director-general Tony Hall also said he was a “fan” of Clarkson, but added that allegations of a fracas were “serious”.

More than 650,000 people from across the world have signed an online petition demanding that the outspoken host be reinstated.

Yesterday, the 54-year-old joked as he left his flat in Kensington amid a media scrum.

He said: “I’ve been suspended haven’t I? I’m just off to the job centre. At least I’m going to be able to get to the Chelsea match tonight.”

Asked if his suspension was over a row about food he said “no, no, no” but said “yes” when asked if he had any regrets about what had happened.

Clarkson was photographed in the crowd at Stamford Bridge for Chelsea’s game against Paris St-Germain last night.

It was reported that a BBC disciplinary panel has already been convened to decide his fate.