Sign up to FREE email alerts from Mirror - celebs Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Jeremy Clarkson could park his new Top Gear rival show on ITV despite a BBC ban on him working for a competitor – by making it through a US firm.

Beeb bosses thought they had him clamped with a “non-compete” contract clause stopping him working for another UK broadcaster until 2017.

But now Clarkson and his former Top Gear pals James May and Richard Hammond reckon they can drive through a legal loophole via America straight into a prime slot on ITV.

A source said: “It has been a battle with all the legal complications, but after some solid advice Jeremy believes they’ll successfully get around the issues despite the BBC making desperate efforts to stop them.”

Lawyers for Clarkson, 55, May, 52 and Hammond, 45, believe they could legitimately get around the clause by making their show through an overseas production firm that then sells the rights around the world including to UK broadcasters such as ITV.

It is one of several possibilities being considered by the team, who are also said to be looking at a deal letting online TV service Netflix air the new show 24 hours earlier than a traditional broadcaster.

A source said: “There are a few options on the table, including a split deal with Netflix, which should allow the guys to get back to doing what they do best and make great television.“

Aside from talks on TV deals, the three have a world tour to complete.

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

Clarkson, Hammond & May Live , which was formerly known as Top Gear Live, travels to Australia from July 18 in Perth and finishes with three nights at the O2 centre in East London in November.

The Sunday Mirror has led the way on news of Jeremy and his co-stars’ planned TV return – revealing early last month that Hammond and May had turned down a £4million offer from the BBC to return to Top Gear without their pal.

Sources say the stars told BBC bosses that “no amount” would persuade them to return to the show without their friend, despite the huge two-year deal on the table.

(Image: PA)

The BBC failed to renew Clarkson’s contract in March after he hit producer Oisin Tymon in a row over cold food.

Jeremy had since hinted at negotiations with an American company after revealing he had cut down on drinking in order to hold talks late at night.

Clarkson explained: “While I try to find a new job, I’ve reassessed my drinking strategy. Californians have a habit of ringing at 11pm and I couldn’t think as straight as they do with their leaves and mineral water existence if I was halfway through my third bottle of Léoube.”

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

The BBC have since announced Radio 2 DJ Chris Evans as the frontman for the revamped show, and are holding auditions for two more presenters to join him.

The new line-up will include at least one woman, and will involve a public auditions process to find new talent among car enthusiasts.