Jeremy Clarkson has revealed he was asked to return as Top Gear host, but turned down the offer as “too much has gone on”.
Clarkson, 55 – who was axed from the popular motoring show following a “fracas” with producer Oisin Tymon – said a senior executive had asked him to return but following a comparison to Jimmy Saville and fears that the show would be “neutered” he refused.
“I had a meeting with a BBC executive last week and they asked if I’d come back to Top Gear,” he told The Sun.
“But it was never an option, even with the one million people signing the Bring Back Clarkson petition – for which I was extremely humbled.”
Top Gear Live Tour - in pictures
He continued: “Too much has gone on. After I’d been compared to Jimmy Savile by someone from the BBC and it was splashed all over a Sunday newspaper, how could I go back?
“The spotlight would have been on me and the show would end up being neutered.
“It would be difficult to do anything without interference. It would have been impossible to make the show I’d want to make.
“I think they knew this so that’s why they gave the job to Chris so soon after I met them.”
A BBC spokesman appeared to deny the claim, saying: “We haven't offered another Top Gear contract and the BBC had placed on record its thanks to Jeremy for his broadcasting on the programme and wish him well for the future.”
Chris Evans was unveiled as Clarkson's successor earlier this week.
The Radio 2 breakfast DJ and TFI Friday host signed a three-year deal and revealed he had received the blessing of Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May to front what he described as his “favourite programme of all time”.
The new series is expected to be on screen early next year.
