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Top Gear could have continued while Jeremy Clarkson was suspended – but James May and Richard Hammond refused to do the show without him.

A BBC executive revealed ­discussions were held about putting out the final few episodes with mainly recorded segments and the two co-stars filming the studio parts.

But the source said: “They didn’t want to do it without Jeremy so the talks didn’t get off the ground.

"There is a feeling that it is all of them or none of them.”

Clarkson is suspended while an investigation is held into his bust-up with Top Gear producer Oisin Tymon, who was left with a split-lip after the presenter laid into him about the lack of a hot meal in the Yorkshire hotel where they were staying.

(Image: Barcroft)

The ­controversial host’s fate lies with BBC Director General Tony Hall and not head of TV Danny Cohen as was previously suggested.

And the insider accused certain figures of pressurising Cohen to wrap up the probe.

The source added: “We must play ­everything with a straight bat but it is very frustrating while Clarkson’s friends continue to pour pressure on the BBC.

“Danny is getting on with his job as best he can but it is not easy.

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“Our priority has to be the person who has allegedly been attacked but we are between a rock and a hard place in all of this.

“There is no way everyone is going to be happy whatever is decided.”

Clarkson, 54, and 36-year-old Oisin have both given their accounts of the incident to investigation chief Ken MacQuarrie, head of BBC Scotland.

Both are thought to have had lawyers present.

Mr MacQuarrie will also speak to witnesses.

Clarkson’s spokesman refused to comment on the claims and Oisin did not respond.

This is the latest in a long line of controversies which has seen the presenter offend foreign diplomats, viewers, MPs and his own bosses at the BBC.

Clarkson was put on what was called his final warning last year following a racism row after claims he used the N-word while reciting the nursery rhyme Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Moe during filming of the BBC2 programme.

But he is due to be back on the BBC next month presenting the third episode of the new series of panel show Have I Got News For You.

“We always have a field day with Jeremy," said Jimmy Mulville, managing director of Have I Got News For You producer Hat Trick.

"Maybe we will get the producer on so he can hit Jeremy Clarkson live on television.”

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A petition to reinstate Clarkson - started by right-wing blogger Guido Fawkes - has amassed a whopping 960,000 signatures.

Last week he spoke out to thank the fans who have signed, saying: "I am very grateful to everybody."

Meanwhile nearly 16,000 people have signed a petition calling for Alan Partridge to replace Clarkson on Top Gear.

According to campaigners, the iconic fictional character, played by comic Steve Coogan, has "a strong track record for broadcast presenting" and "a passion for cars".