The BBC has said it is “working through the implications” for the Top Gear Festival due to take place in Sydney next month following the sacking overnight of the show’s presenter Jeremy Clarkson.
The controversial Top Gear frontman was told by his employers that his contract would not be renewed following his attack on BBC producer Oisin Tymon which left him bleeding and seeking hospital treatment.
Clarkson and fellow Top Gear presenters Richard Hammond and James May were due in Australia next month for the Top Gear Festival which takes place at Eastern Creek on April 18 and 19. The event is run by the BBC and Brand Events.
Organisers have been heavily promoting the event by proclaiming the trio will be “together for the first time” in Australia.
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A BBC Worldwide spokeswoman said: “We are working through the implications of today’s announcement with our partner Brand Events and will make a statement on the Top Gear Festival as soon as possible.”
BBC director general Tony Hall said it was “with deep regret” that he decided to bring Clarkson’s BBC career to an end but added he had no alternative.
Clarkson had “crossed the line”, Hall said, and “common to all at the BBC have to be standards of decency and respect”.
It is understood Clarkson was paid a seven figure sum to tour the world and take part in the lucrative live activations, which are a money spinner for the commercial arm of the public broadcaster.
Clarkson was suspended by the BBC after he verbally and physically attacked Tymon after a day’s shoot in northern England. The presenter was said to have been angry after being served a cold platter of food rather than steak and chips although other reports suggested the outburst followed problems during the shoot.
Radio 2 breakfast host Chris Evans is among the names being put forward as potential replacements for Clarkson on the car show, which attracts 350m viewers globally.
Three days before Clarkson was suspended over the incident on March 10 Top Gear Festival Sydney released this promotional video with the three presenters talking about all coming to Sydney for the first time.
Steve Jones