Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

PA Wire/Press Association Images

BBC trying to woo back Richard Hammond and James May in 'multimillion pound deal'

Will all three men be back?

THE BBC HAS made a multimillion pound bid to keep Richard Hammond and James May on Top Gear after axing Jeremy Clarkson.

According to the Guardian, BBC 2 chiefs want the pair to remain on the show alongside a different guest presenter each week.

Back in March, Clarkson’s contract was not renewed after an “unprovoked physical and verbal attack” on producer Oisín Tymon.

The following month, BBC2 controller Kim Shillinglaw refused to rule out Hammond and May returning. She also said there was a possibility of Clarkson coming back too – on a different show after he has some “time out”.

“Conversations are ongoing with James and Richard about a whole variety of projects at the BBC. While those conversations are ongoing, they have to remain private,” Shillinglaw said.

The Guardian has suggested that by retaining Hammond and May and not replacing Clarkson outright, the controversial host could return to Top Gear in a future series.

May had previously said it would be “lame” to do the show with a “surrogate Jeremy”.

It doesn’t mean I won’t go back, we may all go back in the future. It might just be we have a break from it. I don’t know.

Top Gear attracted about 6 million viewers on BBC2 each week.

The programme generates around £50 million a year for the corporation’s commercial arm, BBC Worldwide, and spawned a hugely popular live show.

“It was my own silly fault” – ahead of Irish show, Clarkson breaks silence on THAT incident

James May says he won’t return to Top Gear as it would be ‘awks’ without Jeremy Clarkson

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
42 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Thomas Smyth
    Favourite Thomas Smyth
    Report
    Apr 23rd 2022, 3:48 PM

    Not looking good. Best of luck to all involved.

    86
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Skipper Mac
    Favourite Skipper Mac
    Report
    Apr 23rd 2022, 4:45 PM

    If the boat was licensed to carry that amount of passengers than it should have adequate life rafts and life jackets aboard. Hopefully they had time to get off safely before boat capsized.

    46
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Alan Kenny
    Favourite Alan Kenny
    Report
    Apr 23rd 2022, 7:16 PM

    @Skipper Mac: Everyone was wearing a life jacket and if they got on a life boat they may have drifted. If they all got off before it sank they have a chance of being found but no chance being alive if just in cold waters after 8 hours and not a life raft

    24
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Pat Casey
    Favourite Pat Casey
    Report
    Apr 24th 2022, 11:09 AM

    10 dead and 16 missing, not looking good for anyone at the moment. May they Rest in Peace.

    24
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Rob Gale
    Favourite Rob Gale
    Report
    Apr 24th 2022, 7:29 PM

    The captain sounds like a total flute. Ran them aground in shallow waters before, and now ignored calls to not go out, while passing all the fishing boats returning to shore coz it wasn’t safe. Went on ahead anyway. He should’ve been sacked long ago, and now he’s responsible for 26 people dying. The tour company need to get investigated big time. Might’ve been them who told him to plough on ahead coz they didn’t wanna issue refunds,

    5
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds