Now Top Gear co-stars ‘quit over Clarkson row’

The Simonstone Hall Hotel at Hawes in North Yorkshire

James May and Richard Hammond “didn’t want to do it without Jeremy” a BBC executive reportedly said.

An option to have the pair fronting the studio segments of the show for the remaining episodes of this series was rejected, the unnamed executive said.

Clarkson was suspended after allegedly punching producer Oisin Tymon during a row - which took place after filming - over a hot meal at a hotel.

The last episodes of the series have been postponed, causing the BBC to lose millions of viewers and receive thousands of complaints.

It is believed Clarkson and Mr Tymon have now both given their evidence to the corporation’s inquiry into the “fracas”.

Hosts May and Hammond have tweeted about their time off in recent days.

Yesterday May wrote: “Seriously, if you really are unemployed, good luck to you. It’s not funny in reality.”

Hammond tweeted a picture of his dog and said: “Not trying to be cryptic, just enjoying a gorgeous morning. Off.”