An executive from the BBC has confirmed that the remaining three episodes of "Top Gear" will still be aired on the network. These episodes were shelved following the suspension of its main presenter Jeremy Clarkson last March. The executive also confirmed that "Top Gear" will be back next year with a new format.
In a report from The Guardian, Kim Shillinglaw, the controller for BBC2, assured viewers they will still be able to watch the unaired episode. Post production and re-edits are currently being done, but Shillinglaw said that it will still feature Clarkson. The episodes are expected to air sometime in the next half of the year.
"There is no way I would not want the available material not to be seen by viewers. Top Gear is a show that I love, I genuinely watch it and I always have done," she said in report. She also added that the broadcasting company is looking into the possibility of a woman joining the series when it returns for its new season next year. However, Shillinglaw did not say whether or not the other hosts of "Top Gear," Richard Hammond and James May, would be back.
Last March, BBC decided not to renew the contract of Clarkson following his suspension. He admitted to the network bosses that he had an altercation with Oisin Tymon, the show's producer. Tymon was hospitalized after the incident, prompting BBC's director general, Tony Hall, to drop Clarkson from his show.
In his Sunday column, Clarkson reflected on what has happened and has divulged that he learned he may have cancer two days before attacking Tymon. Now given an all-clear by his doctors, Clarkson has declared his "Top Gear" days behind him and is moving on with possibly a new motoring show.
Shillinglaw, however, said that Clarkson is going to be back at the BBC. "It is serious and unfortunate what happened, but there is no ban on Jeremy being on the BBC," she said. "It's a big deal what happened, and Jeremy, as any human being would, needs some time out."
