Richard Hammond calls it 'sad end to an era' in hint they may all leave

James May said the trio 'come as a package' - spelling end of BBC careers

BBC contracts of Clarkson, May and Hammond were to expire next week

Jeremy Clarkson could be arrested by police after the BBC sacked him for punching a Top Gear producer in the face with such force he had to go to A&E.

The corporation's internal investigation concluded the star, 54, launched an 'unprovoked' 30-second physical attack on Oisin Tymon because he was offered a plate of cold cuts instead of steak and chips.

North Yorkshire Police said it had asked the BBC for its report into the 'fracas' in a luxury hotel in the county and said action will be taken against Clarkson 'where necessary'.

Revealing the sacking yesterday, Lord Hall, the Director General of the BBC, said: 'It is with great regret that I have told Jeremy Clarkson that the BBC will not be renewing his contract. It is not a decision I have taken lightly. For me a line has been crossed'.

It emerged last night that Clarkson will still be paid and employed by the BBC until his contract expires at the end of the month.

Based on reports of his estimated £1million annual salary, it means the BBC will have paid him nearly £74,000 from the point he was suspended until the end of March.

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Sacked: The BBC said it had not renewed Jeremy Clarkson's contract for his 'unprovoked' attack on Top Gear producer Oison Tymon. Pictured: Clarkson leaves his home on a bike following the announcement yesterday

On your bike: Clarkson took to his bicycle in west London last night after the BBC announced it would not renew his contract when it comes to an end later this month. The corporation said a 'line had been crossed'

Angry? Clarkson appeared agitated as left his west London home on his bike last night. The star is yet to comment on the news of his sacking by the BBC, which comes after he punched producer Oisin Tymon

Under Scrutiny: Clarkson was spotted peering around a wall outside his west London home yesterday as the decision to end his time at the BBC was revealed. The corporation will still pay him until the end of March

Dropped: The Top Gear presenter (pictured on his phone in London yesterday) was sacked by the BBC after a report revealed he had struck producer Oison Tymon in the face with such force that he had to go to A&E

The star changed his Twitter biography yesterday afternoon to say he 'used to be a presenter on Top Gear'.

Co-star James May called the decision a 'tragedy' and said he, Clarkson and Richard Hammond 'come as a package', suggesting that all three are now likely to leave the BBC.

May, who was spotted outside his London home in a variety of outfits yesterday, also hinted that his future with Top Gear may be over, after changing his Twitter biography to describe himself as a 'former TV presenter.'

Hammond tweeted shortly afterwards: 'Gutted at such a sad end to an era. We're all three of us idiots in our different ways but it's been an incredible ride together'.

The Director General, who has spoken to both Clarkson and Mr Tymon since the fracas and is said to have met with the Top Gear host face-to-face on Tuesday night, said the producer was subjected to 'sustained verbal abuse that no-one should have to endure'.

The sacking is likely to spark a bidding war for Clarkson's services, with ITV, Sky and Netflix all said to be willing to pay Clarkson millions to present a motoring show for them.

Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales, tweeted on March 20: 'Jeremy Clarkson will start his own show syndicated worldwide and own the rights and make a billion dollars. You heard it here first.'

Decisions: Top Gear co-star James May called the decision a 'tragedy' and said he, Clarkson (pictured yesterday) and Hammond 'come as a package', suggesting that all three are now likely to leave the BBC

Fracas: The incident unfolded after Clarkson lashed out when he was offered cold cuts of meat instead of a hot steak following a day filming in Newcastle. The BBC said Mr Tymon took himself to hospital after the row

Announcement: BBC Director-General Lord Hall recorded a video message where he said Clarkson had to go. It is understood he met face-to-face with the star on Tuesday to outline the decision before it was announced

End of an era: Clarkson changed his Twitter biography to say he 'used to be a presenter on Top Gear' while co-star James May also hinted he would leave after changing his to say he was a 'former TV presenter'

Support: Richard Hammond tweeted that it was a 'sad end to an era' in hint that all three will leave the BBC

Expensive decision: Top Gear makes the BBC around £67million a year in sales, shows and other add-ons, an income now under threat after the sacking

Top Gear is the BBC's most successful show, sold in more than than 200 countries, bringing in at least £50million a year, but this funding stream may be under threat after the sacking.

Clarkson was suspended two weeks ago for punching Mr Tymon in the face when he was offered a plate of cold cuts instead of steak and chips after a long day of filming.

The BBC found Clarkson spent 20 minutes verbally abusing the producer in a luxury North Yorkshire hotel before launching a 30-second physical assault that led to another member of staff dragging him away.

THE BBC MONEY-SPINNER: HOW TOP GEAR MAKES THEM £67M A YEAR The BBC could lose as much as £67million a year now Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson has been sacked. The star helped relaunch the ailing show in 2002, turning it into a worldwide hit. Now the corporation's commercial arm rakes in an estimated £50million a year from selling the rights to Top Gear overseas, with the show watched in 214 countries around the world. On top of that, BBC Worldwide makes millions more from Top Gear Magazine and live shows in the UK and abroad, as well as sales of DVDs. The BBC could lose tens of millions of pounds in annual profit after giving Clarkson his marching orders, with the sale of the show overseas making £50million alone. Top Gear Magazine has a global circulation of 1.7 million, bringing in another estimated £7.4million - not including profit from advertising, as well as the costs of producing and shipping the magazine. The motoring programme was also set to make around £7.35million in sales of tickets to its 14 live shows in the UK this year. The BBC's loss could be another broadcaster's gain, with rivals Sky, ITV and Netflix all set to compete for Clarkson's signature. Advertisement

Mr Tymon said yesterday after the sacking: 'He is a unique talent and I am well aware that many will be sorry his involvement in the show should end in this way'.

The corporation's two-week investigation into the incident found:

Jeremy Clarkson punched Oisin Tymon in the the mouth in 30-second attack before he was dragged way by a bystander. Oisin Tymon did not hit him

Star then spent 20 minutes using 'prolonged verbal abuse of an extreme nature directed at Mr Tymon. The star said he would have him sacked. The abuse was so loud it was heard throughout the hotel, including in its bedrooms.

Following the attack Mr Tymon drove to a nearby A&E department for examination

Jeremy Clarkson has made a number of attempts to apologise to Mr Tymon by way of text, email and in person

Jeremy Clarkson reported the incident to BBC management himself

Police said yesterday that they may act after the report revealed Mr Tymon was punched.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said: 'North Yorkshire Police is liaising with the BBC regarding the alleged incident in North Yorkshire involving Jeremy Clarkson.

'We have asked the BBC for the report which details the findings of their internal investigation into the matter. The information will be assessed appropriately and action will be taken by North Yorkshire Police where necessary'.

Tony Hall said he had met and spoken to both men before publishing the findings of the BBC's internal investigation. It is understood he also met face-to-face with Clarkson on Tuesday night to outline the corporation's decision.

Speaking yesterday, Lord Hall said: 'I cannot condone what has happened on this occasion. A member of staff - who is a completely innocent party - took himself to Accident and Emergency after a physical altercation accompanied by sustained and prolonged verbal abuse of an extreme nature.

'For me a line has been crossed. There cannot be one rule for one and one rule for another dictated by either rank, or public relations and commercial considerations.'

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He added to BBC News at Six that he 'can see no alternatively, sadly, to the course of action I have taken.'

He said: 'What has happened in this incident has crossed a line. You can't, as the report makes clear, not condemn a physical assault plus sustained verbal abuse against a member of the staff.

'It's sad but it's crossed a line.'

Lord Hall later added: 'I have to say I am a big fan myself, if there was another way through it, I would’ve loved to have found it, but there was no other way through it.'

The BBC investigation found that Mr Tymon was 'subject to an unprovoked physical and verbal attack by Jeremy Clarkson'. It said the attack lasted around 30 seconds and only stopped when a witness intervened.

The report said 'verbal abuse was directed at Oisin Tymon on more than one occasion - both during the attack and subsequently inside the hotel - and contained the strongest expletives and threats to sack him. The abuse was at such volume as to be heard in the dining room, and the shouting was audible in a hotel bedroom.'

Mr Hall said 'no blame' was attached to Mr Tymon, who, he said, 'behaved with huge integrity throughout'.

Following the announcement, former Top Gear presenter Quentin Willson said that Clarkson 'is a very difficult bloke to work with'.

He told BBC Radio 4's PM programme: 'Jeremy is a massive global talent, a hugely distinctive voice in a world of creeping political correctness and health and safety and that's why the programme is so popular.

'He's a very difficult bloke to work with, but there is this obvious truth, isn't there, that success always interferes with talent.

'If you've got a global audience of 350 million people hanging on your every word, then that makes you detached from your sources. It's so sad that this is his requiem, if you like.'

He added: 'This was, whichever way you look at it, unacceptable behaviour. It's not right to whack someone on your team because you haven't had your dinner.'

Upset: James May was the first of the Top Gear stars to speak out and called the decision to sack Clarkson a 'tragedy', adding: 'I'm sorry that what ought to have been a small incident has turned into something big'

Disappointed: James May (who was pictured outside his home in a variety of outfits yesterday) said that he 'understands that it will have been a difficult deliberation all round and respects the decision'

The Top Gear host (pictured) had been left in limbo for two weeks since the BBC announced his suspension. He is pictured yesterday leaving his home, before he apparently met face-to-face with the BBC's Lord Hall

Row: Jeremy Clarkson struck producer Oisin Tymon (pictured) in the row over a hot dinner after filming

The BBC's creative director Alan Yentob confirmed last night that Clarkson would continue to be employed until his contract expires at the end of the month and said he wanted Hammond and May to continue to work on Top Gear.

He said Lord Hall was 'shocked' by the content of the report on Clarkson's actions, adding: 'I do know that this was a very difficult decision for Tony Hall to make.

'I know that he was saddened to have to make it but he felt he had no choice in the circumstances.'

He told Channel 4 News that he was a friend and 'close associate' of Clarkson and described the sacking as a 'very sad thing'.

'CLARKSON CROSSED THE LINE': TONY HALL'S STATEMENT IN FULL It is with great regret that I have told Jeremy Clarkson today that the BBC will not be renewing his contract. It is not a decision I have taken lightly. I have done so only after a very careful consideration of the facts and after personally meeting both Jeremy and Oisin Tymon. I am grateful to Ken MacQuarrie for the thorough way he has conducted an investigation of the incident on 4th March. Given the obvious and very genuine public interest in this I am publishing the findings of his report. I take no pleasure in doing so. I am only making them public so people can better understand the background. I know how popular the programme is and I also know that this decision will divide opinion. The main facts are not disputed by those involved. I want to make three points. First – The BBC is a broad church. Our strength in many ways lies in that diversity. We need distinctive and different voices but they cannot come at any price. Common to all at the BBC have to be standards of decency and respect. I cannot condone what has happened on this occasion. A member of staff – who is a completely innocent party – took himself to Accident and Emergency after a physical altercation accompanied by sustained and prolonged verbal abuse of an extreme nature. For me a line has been crossed. There cannot be one rule for one and one rule for another dictated by either rank, or public relations and commercial considerations. Second – This has obviously been difficult for everyone involved but in particular for Oisin. I want to make clear that no blame attaches to him for this incident. He has behaved with huge integrity throughout. As a senior producer at the BBC he will continue to have an important role within the organisation in the future. Third – Obviously none of us wanted to find ourselves in this position. This decision should in no way detract from the extraordinary contribution that Jeremy Clarkson has made to the BBC. I have always personally been a great fan of his work and Top Gear. Jeremy is a huge talent. He may be leaving the BBC but I am sure he will continue to entertain, challenge and amuse audiences for many years to come. The BBC must now look to renew Top Gear for 2016. This will be a big challenge and there is no point in pretending otherwise. I have asked Kim Shillinglaw to look at how best we might take this forward over the coming months. I have also asked her to look at how we put out the last programmes in the current series. Advertisement

He also told how Clarkson phoned him in the wake of the 'fracas' with Mr Tymon and reported it himself to the BBC.

He said: 'Everybody knows that you have to treat your staff with respect and Jeremy himself knows that. He rang up and said "I have done this and that". He hoped he wouldn't [get fired], I’m sure.

'I trust Tony and I trust Ken and in the end that’s a decision which rested with the Director General. I think he had no choice but to make that decision.

'I think the feeling was that what took place had crossed the line and that it was very difficult to say to Jeremy that he could continue in those circumstances.

'Jeremy has had a tough year and I think that in the end it’s a show which is very demanding, the schedule is very heavy.

'It was judgement which was very carefully taken and regretfully taken.'

In a separate interview with BBC Radio 4, Mr Yentob said that Clarkson had ‘already suffered’ enough and that it was ‘ridiculous’ to suggest that he should not be paid the extra money.

In a heated exchange, PM presenter Eddie Mair asked Mr Yentob: ‘What do you have to do to get sacked at the BBC? This man conducted a physical attack lasting 30 seconds on a colleague and he’s still getting licence fee payers’ money.’

Mr Yentob responded: ‘What, for a week, and that’s his contract? Are you really, seriously asking me that, Eddie?...When he has already suffered, he’s lost his job?’

He went on to tell Mr Mair not to be ‘ridiculous’.

Responding to Jeremy Clarkson's sacking, Downing Street said that Prime Minister David Cameron believes that 'if you do something wrong at work there can be consequences' and that 'aggressive and abusive behaviour is not acceptable in the workplace'.

Earlier this week the Prime Minister backed calls for Mr Clarkson to be reinstated and added that his daughter had threatened to go on hunger strike unless he was reinstated.

Perry McCarthy, a former Formula One driver who once portrayed The Stig on Top Gear, said ‘we’ve lost a great TV personality and a fantastic show which is a worldwide success.’

He told Channel 4 News: ‘Jeremy is a handful, he’s a character and that’s what people love about him. The big thing is that with Richard and James, the three of them have so much fun, and that’s why the programme has been adored by so many people.

‘The BBC are playing with licence payers money, I don’t believe they have taken the right business decision.

‘I believe will be Fox, Sky, ITV on how and when they can get Jeremy, and probably Richard and James, with them.

‘What I’m against is how this has been gone about. The director shouldn’t have made this public. This entire thing, as serious as it is, should’ve been done behind closed doors.’

Clarkson and his co-hosts, James May and Richard Hammond, were scheduled to take part in four live Top Gear shows in Norway this week, but it was announced on Sunday that they had been postponed.

All three men's contracts run out at the end of this month but the futures of Hammond and May are still unclear.

They were all offered new three year deals but these were put on hold after the 'fracas'.

But in a clear hint, speaking outside his home in west London yesterday, James May said Clarkson's departure was a 'tragedy'.

He said: 'Well apparently they have shot him. I've only found this out by prising the information out of various BBC sources, nobody has actually told me officially until a few moments ago when they emailed.

'I don't really have anything to say about it. It's a tragedy. I'm sorry that what ought to have been a small incident sorted out easily has turned into something big.

'I don't really want to say anything more than that at the moment, I have only known for the past few minutes and if you excuse me I have to write the eBay listing for my Ferrari.'

Asked if he thought the decision was fair, May said: 'It is probably within the law and their hands were tied.'

He added: 'I'm sure Top Gear will continue in some way. It existed before us and it has been reformatted several times.'

Asked if he will stay at Top Gear, May said: 'Erm, well I don't want to talk about that too much but I think we are very much the three of us as a package. It works for very complicated reasons that a lot of people don't fully understand. So that will require a lot of careful thought.'

Asked about a possible replacement for Clarkson and who he would like to work with, he said: 'Much as I think he's a k*** I quite like working with Jeremy.'

An official statement from James May's agent later added: 'James was disappointed to hear that the BBC will not be renewing Jeremy's contract, however understands that it will have been a difficult deliberation all round and respects the decision.

'As to the future of Top Gear, it existed before its current format and will no doubt continue to do so. James' involvement in that future requires much thought, deliberation and conversation between many people, and at this moment further speculation on that is not useful.

'James will be making no further comment at this time.'

Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond said he was 'gutted' Clarkson had been sacked.

He said all three presenters were 'idiots in our different ways' but they had 'an incredible ride.'

He tweeted: 'Gutted at such a sad end to an era. We're all three of us idiots in our different ways but it's been an incredible ride together.'

Keeping quiet: James May said that he, Clarkson and Richard Hammond 'come as a package', suggesting all three will now leave the BBC

North Yorkshire Police said it had asked the BBC for its report into the 'fracas' in a luxury hotel in the Yorkshire Dales and said action will be taken against Clarkson (pictured last night) 'where necessary'

Clarkson's girlfriend Phillipa Sage was spotted arriving at his London home yesterday as the news broke

Last night, close friend and executive producer of Top Gear Andy Wilman was spotted leaving Clarkson's flat

Message: Mr Clarkson tweeted on Tuesday: 'Just to keep everyone up to date, I haven't heard a thing' even though the BBC had clearly decided they were going to sack him

FRACAS: BOOZING, 40-MINUTE TIRADE AND A FAT LIP FOR THE PRODUCER Victim: Top Gear producer Oisin Tymon The unsavoury incident unfolded earlier this month when Jeremy Clarkson and his fellow Top Gear presenters Richard Hammond and James May belatedly arrived at a luxury hotel following a drinking session. The presenters were scheduled to arrive at Simonstone Hall Hotel in the Yorkshire Dales at 8pm after travelling by helicopter following a day of filming at the programme’s studios in Dunsfold, Surrey. But the trio ignored the pre-arranged plan and kept the helicopter waiting as they went to a local pub close to the studio for two hours. They eventually arrived at the four-star hotel, where more than ten rooms were booked at a cost of £5,760, after 10pm. Most of the production team had already gone to bed but Oisin Tymon stayed up to greet the group. Fury because the chef’s left After being told the hotel’s dinner service had ended and that the chef had gone home, the presenters were offered a cheese or meat platter, soup or a bar snack. An irate Clarkson, who was said to have been drinking rosé wine, became incensed at the offer and ranted that it was ‘ridiculous there was nothing to eat’. Perched at the hotel’s bar, he shouted: ‘He’s f****** gone’ as people tried to calm him down. His co-stars and other guests looked on in disbelief as he began to vent his anger at Mr Tymon, who he blamed for not organising a hot supper. The presenter used a multitude of expletives as he demanded a £21.95 8oz steak from the hotel’s menu. He was eventually served a steak and peppercorn sandwich in a private room after the hotel’s general manager Robert Scott agreed to cook a late-night dinner for the trio of presenters. Abuse ... and a vicious attack A small group of the Top Gear crew moved to a patio area located at the rear of the hotel, used by smokers and guests enjoying the stunning scenery. The enraged presenter continued his verbal tirade towards the producer, using the ‘strongest expletives’ as he threatened to sack him over the supposed mistake. After allegedly calling the producer a ‘lazy Irish c***’, Clarkson launched an extraordinary attack on Mr Tymon. During the sustained outburst, he punched the producer, leaving him with a split lip and blood running down his face. Despite being assaulted for 30 seconds Mr Tymon did not retaliate and the attack was only stopped when a witness intervened. The 'fracas' occurred at Simonstone Hall Hotel in the Yorkshire Dales (pictured) following a day out filming The outbursts continue Clarkson returned to the hotel where he continued his loud and aggressive rant over a sustained period. He continued to direct his derogatory insults at Mr Tymon, before aiming his vitriol at other members of the Top Gear crew who had joined the group. His frequent outbursts – said to have lasted 40 minutes from start to finish - were so loud that guests in one of the hotel’s bedrooms and in an adjoining dining room could hear the stream of abuse. The victim made a 70-minute journey to the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, where he received treatment for a swollen lip and dizziness. Attempts to apologise Clarkson made numerous attempts to apologise to Mr Tymon, who was convinced he had lost his job, both in person and by text message and email. When the crew left the hotel three days later Clarkson told one member of staff: ‘It’s been really pleasant, apart from the obvious.’ Production coordinator Emma Lawrence wrote in the hotel’s guestbook that the team had had a ‘wonderful, friendly and extremely accommodating stay’. Clarkson eventually referred himself to BBC management. Advertisement

Clarkson's sacking will lead to fury among Top Gear fans and more than a million people signed a petition demanding the BBC reinstate Clarkson and hundreds have said that they will withhold their licence fee payments if he is sacked.

Among the many protesters, Nakulraj Vijeyarajah, from Glasgow, wrote: 'Bring back Clarkson. Top Gear is the only reason I watch BBC. I will stop paying my licence fee if Clarkson is not rehired'.

Chris Evans, from the West Midlands added: 'No Top Gear, no licence fee as far as I am concerned'.

If they all leave the trio are unlikely to be out of work for long.

In what could be a hint, Sky owner Rupert Murdoch said on Tuesday night: 'How stupid can BBC be in firing Jeremy Clarkson? Funny man with great expertise and huge following.'

PUNCHED PRODUCER SAYS HE WANTS TO GET BACK TO WORK AFTER 'FRACAS NIGHTMARE' Oisin Tymon, the man 'smacked' by Jeremy Clarkson, has spoken for the first time since the 'fracas'. He said he was 'grateful' for the 'thorough and swift investigation into this very regrettable incident'. He said: 'I've worked on Top Gear for almost a decade, a programme I love. Over that time Jeremy and I had a positive and successful working relationship, making some landmark projects together. He is a unique talent and I am well aware that many will be sorry his involvement in the show should end in this way.' Paul Daniels, from law firm Slater Gordon which represents Mr Tymon, said the last month had 'been a nightmare' for him. He said: 'He now simply wishes to return to the job he loves at the BBC. He does not intend to make any further media comment and kindly asks that his privacy is respected.' Advertisement

Sources have told MailOnline that ITV are prepared to offer him £10million to sign for them, with Clarkson's executive producer and schoolfriend Andy Wilman having reportedly met with them.

Netflix – which has a £3.4billion programming budget – is also tipped to woo Clarkson.

The online subscription video service does not depend on advertising income, so would allow him free rein to make controversial remarks about cars, without the risk of offending customers.

BBC Radio 2 host Chris Evans had been the leading contender to replace Clarkson on Top Gear. Yesterday, however, he ruled himself out of the running.

He told listeners to his Radio 2 show ‘not only is it not true, it’s absolute nonsense’, and that it was ‘never going to happen’.

He added: ‘From what I’ve seen on Twitter and social media, there’s a 50/50 split approximately as to whether me being involved in the show is a good idea.

‘I’m in the no camp. So regardless of whether it would be a hit, I’m voting a no for myself on that show, so that’s never going to happen.’

It comes less than a day after Clarkson said he had heard 'nothing, not a sausage' regarding his future with the broadcaster.

He said outside his home on Tuesday afternoon: 'I'm really sorry, but I don't think you're going to find anything out today'.

He is yet to comment on his sacking.

The Top Gear host had been left in limbo for two weeks since the BBC announced his suspension following what it described as 'a fracas' with Mr Tymon.

For days it was reported that Lord Hall would Clarkson after the organisation's internal investigation concluded he did in fact attack Mr Tymon following a verbal tirade, but it was not confirmed until today.

However, last night the BBC insisted a final decision had not been made. A spokesman said: 'When we have an outcome, we will announce it.'

Clarkson has reportedly told friends that the BBC's management have been 'out to get' him, and sources at the BBC have suggested that its director of TV, Danny Cohen, has seized on the incident as the reason he needs to oust the controversial figure.

Fans and critics of Clarkson have spoken up following the BBC's decision not to renew his contract.

The presenter's surname trended worldwide on Twitter following the announcement by Lord Hall.

Former tabloid newspaper editor Piers Morgan, Clarkson's long-time sparring partner, had earlier jokingly hinted in a series of tweets he might be Top Gear's new presenter.

Before the Clarkson announcement, he wrote: 'In ten minutes, I will be announced as the temporary replacement for a very popular TV presenter in the UK.

'No, no, it's 100% true. I really am standing in for a popular male TV presenter on a big UK show. Start filming in 3 weeks.

'I suspect the announcement, at 2pm UK time, will shock, delight & dismay everyone in equal measure. But that's showbiz.'

Big decision: Sacking Clarkson could mean the end of Top Gear, which makes the BBC millions every year

Last night Rupert Murdoch weighed in on the debate, claiming the BBC would be 'stupid' to fire Clarkson

MEXICANS AND ARGENTINIANS: TOP GEAR CONTROVERSIES BY YEAR 2003 : Jeremy Clarkson drives a pick-up into a horse chestnut tree in a car park in Somerset, to test the strength of a Toyota. The BBC apologised to the parish council.

2008 : Clarkson makes a joke during an episode about lorry drivers murdering prostitutes, which attracts more than 1,000 complaints to the BBC.

2010 : Jokes made during the show about Mexicans, which included them being branded 'lazy', 'feckless' and 'flatulent', spark controversy and prompt an apology from the BBC to the Mexican ambassador.

2011 : During a 90-minute India special a car fitted with a toilet in the boot is described by Clarkson as 'perfect for India because everyone who comes here gets the trots'.

2012 : Clarkson is found to have breached BBC guidelines by comparing a Japanese car to people with growths on their faces.

2014 : Clarkson was embroiled in controversy when it was claimed he used the N-word while reciting the nursery rhyme Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Moe during filming.

2014 : Top Gear is ruled to have breached broadcasting rules after Clarkson used the word 'slope' to describe an Asian man.

2014 : Top Gear crew is forced to flee Argentina after trouble erupted when it emerged they were using a Porsche with the registration number H982 FKL, which some suggested could refer to the Falklands conflict of 1982. Advertisement

He later revealed that he will be guest-presenting ITV's Good Morning Britain for a week next month, before adding: 'This doesn't prevent me doing Top Gear as well, obviously.'

He subsequently wrote: 'If he'd stuck to just punching me, he'd have been fine. #Clarkson.'

The Guido Fawkes political blog, operated by Paul Staines, ran a campaign which garnered a million-plus petition calling on the BBC to reinstate Clarkson after he was suspended and used a tank to deliver it to New Broadcasting House.

Yesterday it wrote: 'Sad day for Top Gear fans, BBC licence fee payers and the 1,033,933 who signed the petition to reinstate Jeremy.

'No doubt his enemies within the BBC will be cheering that they have finally found an excuse to get rid of him. Lentils all round.'

Former BBC chairman Christopher Bland told BBC News: 'Its quite clear from the facts he (Lord Hall) had no choice. He paid a fulsome and appropriate tribute to Jeremy Clarkson, but verbal abuse on the scale that seems to have taken place is bad enough, and if you then should bash somebody, you have no choice, he had to go.

'He's a licensed jester, he was able to make remarks about slopes on bridges and got away with that. This is absolutely of a different order of magnitude. Half an hour of abuse and then hitting someone in the face is something else altogether. It was a brave but absolutely correct decision.'

Clarkson, pictured with co ho-hosts James May and Richard Hammond at a Top Gear Live show in Prague, will not be performing at the four events in Norway as they have been cancelled

Furious Clarkson supporters have demanded that tickets to the Top Gear Live shows are refunded now their favourite host has been given the boot.

KIM SHILLINGLAW: WOMAN IN CHARGE OF TOP GEAR FUTURE The decision over what to do with Top Gear now falls to Kim Shillinglaw, the Oxford-educated controller of BBC 2. Shillinglaw, who took on the £217,800-a-year job last April and now controls the channel's £588m budget, has previously claimed to be a fan of Top Gear. In an interview in January, she said: 'It is by and large a very professionally made programme, a very complex one that has been running for many years and has pulled off jaw-dropping sequences time and time again.' However, she refused to outline what her plan for the show was past the current series, insisting: 'Decisions for next year are decisions for next year.' She told media news website Broadcast: 'BBC2 must be full of programmes that make you think: 'If that wasn't on the telly, we'd be poorer for it'. 'There's always a lot of competing forces. But I get out of bed and say to myself: 'It's the programmes, stupid'. ' A clue as the sort of programmes she likes came when she told the website she likes watching Homeland, Made In Chelsea and The Big Bang Theory. Advertisement

The news sent Twitter into a frenzy with hundreds lambasting the BBC for pulling their favourite host on the multi-million viewer show.

And many disappointed fans, who have already bought tickets for upcoming live shows, are demanding their money back.

One angry Twitter user, Chris W said: 'If it's true that the BBC pc, lefty, lily livered two faced sh*** have sacked Clarkson then I want a full refund for Top Gear Live Show.'

Another user, Hannah, tweeted the Ticketmaster Twitter account and said: 'Hi, I have been told to contact you to get a refund for Top Gear live as Jeremy Clarkson is no longer doing it.'

Live Nation, the company in charge of Top Gear Live, refused to comment.

Star Trek actor William Shatner weighed into the debate, tweeting: 'Clarkson will be fine. Sponsors would be silly not to pick him up and establish a competitor show and the viewers will probably follow him.'

He added: 'What Clarkson did was wrong and I'm sure he regrets it.'

Will Wyatt, a former director of BBC Television, told the broadcaster that part of Clarkson's appeal with viewers was that he was a 'naughty boy', but added: 'This is different, this isn't about did he say too much or overstepped the mark in what's allowable for a BBC presenter to say, it's to do with behaviour between human beings working together.

'Jeremy, I'm sure, will have a successful future doing one thing or another and I think Top Gear will have a successful future.'