Jeremy Clarkson agrees to stay silent on BBC sacking so Top Gear Live shows can go ahead

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Washington Bureau Chief

Jeremy Clarkson has reportedly promised to stay silent on his recent BBC sacking so that planned Top Gear Live shows, now renamed Clarkson, Hammond and May Live, can go ahead.

The controversial TV presenter, 54, was axed by the broadcaster after a “fracas” with a producer last month, leaving the popular motoring show’s future in doubt.

But while Clarkson’s mouth has caused him many problems over the years, his wish not to disappoint the 100,000 fans who have bought tickets led to him promising not to criticise his former bosses on stage.

The series of events, co-owned by BBC Worldwide and starting in Belfast on 22 May, will be stripped of all BBC and Top Gear branding in the wake of Clarkson’s dismissal.

“Jeremy, James and Richard agreed to the terms put to them to let the shows go ahead in a good spirit,” a source allegedly told the Sunday People. “They were desperate not to let the fans down.

“Part of the deal was that neither the BBC nor the Top Gear brand would be brought into disrepute. Effectively this meant gagging Jeremy from mentioning what had gone on, but he agreed to comply.”

Brand Events, co-producers of the live tour, has insisted that no clips from the TV shows will be shown, the theme music will not be played, The Stig will not appear and no Top Gear merchandise will be available to buy.

Clarkson, Hammond and May Live will also visit Australia, South Africa and Norway on the global tour.

BBC Worldwide are yet to respond to our request for comment.