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Fans have spoken out to back James May and Richard Hammond after they refused to film Top Gear without Jeremy Clarkson.

A BBC executive this week revealed ­discussions were held about putting out the final few episodes of the show 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.”

(Image: PA)

Following the news viewers have come out to praise the Top Gear stars for their "loyalty".

One Facebook user wrote: "Apparently in England, men understand loyalty. 'you go, we go.'"

Another added: "Good, loyal to their team mate."

While another said: "MUCH RESPECT TO HAMMOND AND MAY! Way to go chaps!!!"

Others called for Jeremy Clarkson to be reinstated on the show.

The host is currently suspended while an investigation is held into his bust-up with Top Gear producer Oisin Tymon.

(Image: Barcroft)

One Facebook user added: "I'm so proud of James and Richard! Showing such good support for Jeremy! It's all of them or none of them! I love it. Bring back Clarkson!"

Another said simply: "Bros before shows !!!"

While another wrote: "After all these years of leaving each other behind when a car breaks down, they finally decided to stick together!"

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

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.

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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.”

poll loading Could Top Gear survive without Jeremy Clarkson? 19000+ VOTES SO FAR YES NO

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".