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Richard Hammond and James May will turn down a £4million BBC offer to return to Top Gear – instead launching a new show with axed Jeremy Clarkson.

A source claimed the trio, along with executive producer Andy Wilman are “very close” to signing a big-money deal with Netflix and no amount would persuade them to return to the BBC2 show without Clarkson.

The three pals have actually been in talks with several media outlets - including ITV - but the source claimed the American outlet, whose hit shows include House of Cards, was now the favoured option.

The insider said: “Flattering though it is to be offered huge sums there’ll be no going back. It wouldn’t feel right and their heart wouldn’t be in it.

"They’ve always said they come as a team and that hasn’t changed.

“They are all very excited at the prospect of having total editorial control over their new show, to make it and get it distributed.

"It would be groundbreaking and also incredible lucrative. They would stand to earn much, much more than they would with the BBC."

(Image: Liam McBurney/PA Wire)

A BBC source denied earlier claims Hammond, 45, and May, 52, were offered £9.1million, saying it was nearer £4million for a two-year deal.

This week the pair shot studio scenes for two Top Gear films, made before Clarkson’s contract was not renewed after a fracas with producer Oisin Tymon.

The two episodes will be screened within weeks.

After that fans must wait until next year at the earliest for a new series as bosses’ hopes of reuniting May, Hammond and The Stig fall flat.

A source close to the project said: “Clarkson had his faults but his ­importance to the show cannot be understated.

"He wrote it, came up with ideas and was its heart. It will need about three or four good operators to replace him.

“The amount of work required to get Top Gear back on the road again is just sinking in amongst executives. It is a huge task.

“Richard and James could make it work as a duo - but the idea of different guest presenters every week is seen as a non-starter.

“They’ve been sounded out to return - but if, as expected Richard and James turn the offer down, then Top Gear will have to be re-invented - undergoing a total re-boot and re-branding."

The BBC and the former Top Gear team did not comment.