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Two final episodes of Top Gear could be made from footage shot before Jeremy Clarkson left – but insiders fear they can never be screened.

Episode 8 of 12 was cancelled after the star’s suspension and subsequent dismissal.

Executive producer Andy Wilman and BBC2 controller Kim Shillinglaw have spent hours in a studio editing films made before Jeremy Clarkson was axed.

Sources close to the show claim the completed footage could be packaged into two full Top Gear programmes.

However, they are minus the studio sequences and elements like A Star in a Reasonably Priced Car.

A source told the Sunday People: “There is some great stuff which fans would love - definitely enough for two progammes.

“However, there is a very big elephant in the room, or rather not in the room - namely Jeremy Clarkson.

Jeremy Clarkson's most controversial moments

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“He appears in all the films but obviously can no longer be filmed back in the studio.

“That would leave James May and Richard Hammond - if they decide to continue - back in the studio trying to link into the films.

“There is a feeling that this would look a little odd and is difficult to overcome. Jeremy’s presence in the films, but absence in the studio, is just too difficult to cover.

“Some connected to the show believe that the footage, sadly, will never be screened.

“However, the final decision will rest with Kim Shillinglaw and her boss Danny Cohen, the BBC’s director of programmes. It could go either way.”

Insiders claim the films include the stars going for a drive in the countryside in classic convertibles, including an MGB; a challenge seeing who could get the best deal for a cheap second hand SUV; and Clarkson driving around the track - and on the road - in a trio of luxurious limousines.

Jeremy Clarkson's career in pictures

Stars in a Reasonably Priced Car who had been lined up, but not recorded, included Gary Lineker and Superman star Henry Cavill, 31.

It is the second time Match of the Day host Lineker, 54, has been scheduled to appear in the show only for it to be cancelled.

He had been due to fly to Argentina to appear in the Top Gear Christmas special - but it was called off after locals attacked the crew in protest at a number plate on Clarkson's vehicle which they believed to be a reference to the Falklands War.

Wilman, 52, an old school pal of Clarkson, denied he has resigned after sending the show’s 100 staff what they thought was a “farewell” email.

Clarkson’s contract was not renewed at the end of last month after an BBC investigation found he had subjected producer Oisin Tymon to a 30-second physical attack.

Top Gear fans have helped BBC's online and on-demand iPlayer service break records to generate its highest-ever daily viewing figures during February.

Episodes of Series 22 of the BBC2 show made up FOUR of the five most viewed iPlayer shows - with a combined total of 9m views.

The second episode of the series, featuring an Australian road trip, was the most watched and attracted 2.65m views.