LONDON // The BBC has decided not to renew the contract of Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson, who was suspended after a "fracas" with a producer on the world-famous television programme.
The UK’s publicly funded broadcaster concluded that Mr Clarkson physically and verbally attacked Oisin Tymon while they were filming on location, leaving the producer with a swelling and bloody lip. He went to hospital for treatment.
“It is with great regret that I have told Jeremy Clarkson today that the BBC will not be renewing his contract,” said the BBC’s director general, Tony Hall, on Wednesday.
Mr Clarkson, 54, who has generated both controversy and profits for the BBC, was already on a final warning over accusations last year that he had used racist language while filming the motoring show.
Top Gear, which is aired in more than 200 countries, is one of the broadcaster’s most profitable shows but its lead host has offended – among others – environmental groups, mental health charities and cyclists with his forthright manner.
Mr Hall acknowledged that removing the programme’s star “will divide opinion.” But he said a line had been crossed in Mr Clarkson’s often controversial behaviour.
“There cannot be one rule for one and one rule for another dictated by either rank, or public relations and commercial considerations,” Mr Hall said.
Fans have clamoured for Mr Clarkson's return, signing a petition which was delivered to the BBC in a tank. British prime minister David Cameron called Mr Clarkson a friend and a "huge talent", while Will Wyatt, a former director of BBC television, said Top Gear without Mr Clarkson would be "a bit like the Musketeers without D'Artagnan."
Last October the show sparked a diplomatic incident between Britain and Argentina after a Top Gear television crew filming in the country drove a Porsche 928 GT with the registration number H982 FKL – an alleged reference to the 1982 Falklands conflict between the two countries.
Mr Clarkson was given a “final warning” last year following a racism row. At the time, he said he avoided using a racist word while reciting a well-known nursery rhyme while filming the car show, but begged forgiveness from audiences after admitting that “it sounds like I did.”
* Associated Press and Reuters
The biog
Hobbies: Writing and running
Favourite sport: beach volleyball
Favourite holiday destinations: Turkey and Puerto Rico
Chef Nobu's advice for eating sushi
“One mistake people always make is adding extra wasabi. There is no need for this, because it should already be there between the rice and the fish.
“When eating nigiri, you must dip the fish – not the rice – in soy sauce, otherwise the rice will collapse. Also, don’t use too much soy sauce or it will make you thirsty. For sushi rolls, dip a little of the rice-covered roll lightly in soy sauce and eat in one bite.
“Chopsticks are acceptable, but really, I recommend using your fingers for sushi. Do use chopsticks for sashimi, though.
“The ginger should be eaten separately as a palette cleanser and used to clear the mouth when switching between different pieces of fish.”
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The specs
Engine: 2x201bhp AC Permanent-magnetic electric
Transmission: n/a
Power: 402bhp
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Price estimate: Dh200,000
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'Nightmare Alley'
Director:Guillermo del Toro
Stars:Bradley Cooper, Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara
Rating: 3/5
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Our family matters legal consultant
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Bantamweight
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Welterweight
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Super featherweight
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Middleweight
Ahmed Abdolaziz bt Imad Essassi
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Middleweight
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34 goals - Robert Lewandowski (68 points)
34 - Ciro Immobile (68)
31 - Cristiano Ronaldo (62)
28 - Timo Werner (56)
25 - Lionel Messi (50)
*29 - Erling Haaland (50)
23 - Romelu Lukaku (46)
23 - Jamie Vardy (46)
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8.15pm Talento Puma
8.50pm Etisalat
9.25pm Gundogdu
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To mark Bodytree’s 10th anniversary, the coming season will be filled with celebratory activities:
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The first Soroptimists club was founded in Oakland, California in 1921. The name comes from the Latin word soror which means sister, combined with optima, meaning the best.
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Destroyer
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Cast: Nicole Kidman, Toby Kebbell, Sebastian Stan
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UAE release: January 31
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