Jeremy Clarkson is not leaving Top Gear any time soon. Not by choice, at least. Writing in the latest issue of the worldwide hit TV show’s companion magazine, Clarkson says that there is nothing stopping him from sticking around at the BBC until the start of Top Gear‘s 22nd season.
TVTonight has all the details, including the fact that Clarkson is almost entirely resigned to the fact that at some point, he’ll be forced to call it quits when someone complains.
A few months ago, after the most recent of several faux-scandals over racist speech, the Top Gear presenter said he was being held to the strictest of standards by the BBC’s executive, and that that was a standard that no-one could live up to:
“I’ve been told by the BBC that if I make one more offensive remark, anywhere, at any time, I will be sacked. And even the angel Gabriel would struggle to survive with that hanging over his head.”
Writing in Top Gear magazine, it sounds like the long-time host of the show is sticking around and that rumours of his imminent sacking or departure are untrue.
“There has been a lot of stuff in the newspapers recently about the future of Top Gear. Some seem to think there isn’t one. But I can assure you, there is. There are also those who think I won’t be part of it.
“Well, sorry, but I am. Unless I am eaten by a pack of wild dogs before the next series starts early next year.”
Top Gear will be back towards the end of 2014 — with, or without, its longest running presenter. Season 22 looks like it should be chock-full of some pretty fantastic segments, including pieces on the LaFerrari, a race-prepped Porsche 918 Spyder and a make-your-own-ambulance challenge. [TVTonight]