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Axed Jeremy Clarkson plans to make a dramatic Top Gear comeback in a matter of weeks – on the live tour Down Under.

The shamed 54-year-old will head to Sydney with James May, 52, and Richard Hammond, 45, to host the show in front of 40,000 fans over two days.

However, after he was dumped by the Beeb last week, organisers could be forced to rename it Clarkson, May and Hammond Live or MPH Live rather than Top Gear Live.

Although Clarkson’s contract was not renewed, it is understood he has a separate deal for the live shows.

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Last week four tour dates in Norway were scrapped, but if the April 18 and 19 events are cancelled the Beeb’s commercial arm BBC Worldwide could face a huge lawsuit.

A source revealed: “Talks are going on to try and ensure this event goes ahead. The main priority

is the thousands of people who have bought tickets.

“The feeling in Sydney is that the three presenters want to do it, thousands of fans who’ve bought tickets want to see it, so just get it on.”

The world tour – which has sold 200,000 tickets and is set to rake in £11million – is due to head to South Africa in June with other gigs in Belfast, Sheffield and London pencilled in.

Clarkson’s contract was not renewed after he punched producer Oisin Tymon, 36, during a row over being served cold meat instead of a steak at a hotel.

BBC insiders claim the fall-out of his exit continues to send shockwaves around the organisation.

New motoring show The Getaway Car is said to have needed re-formatting as it featured The Stig.

And BBC2 comedy W1A had to be re-recorded to update a joke about Clarkson and “damage limitation” in its first episode, screened next month.