Jeremy Clarkson has pulled out of his scheduled return to the BBC, where he was set to take over guest hosting duties on comedy panel show Have I Got News For You.
There has been no official reason given for Clarkson backing out of the appearance, which was going to be his return to BBC programming since being axed from Top Gear, following an incident in which he physically assaulted a producer who also worked on the popular car show.
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Hat Trick Productions, the company that produces Have I Got News For You, released a statement regarding Clarkson’s cancellation, with managing director Jimmy Mulville telling the London Evening Standard: “On reflection, Jeremy Clarkson has decided not to host Have I Got News for You. We fully expect him to resume his hosting duties later in the year.”
Jeremy Clarkson in a previous appearance on Have I Got News For You (BBC)
Clarkson was suspended by the BBC on March 10th while an investigation was launched into the incident involving the presenter and Top Gear producer Oisin Tymon. It was later revealed by the broadcaster that Clarkson had punched Tymon over an argument regarding Clarkson wanting steak after filming an episode of the show, only to be told that the hotel he and the crew were staying at was only serving cold food. The BBC felt that Clarkson’s actions were inappropriate, with the broadcaster ousting him from his Top Gear hosting duties.
It’s unclear if Clarkson will return to the BBC in the future, though he and his Top Gear co-hosts Richard Hammond and James May will be embarking upon a live tour later this year. The tour was initially intended to consist of Top Gear live shows, but as Clarkson no longer works for the BBC the Top Gear brand has been removed, with it being retitled Clarkon, Hammond and May Live.
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