Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond – otherwise known as the Top Gear trio – were spotted arriving at the house of ITV director Peter Fincham. This produced even stronger speculation that the popular presenters are working on a new car show.
Andy Wilman – Top Gear's executive producer and Clarkson's old school friend – was also at the secret meeting. As of last month, Wilman is no longer part of BBC.
Previously, ITV said it didn't have intentions of holding talks with Clarkson. The company could however have changed its position after learning that co-presenters Hammond and May were also leaving in a gesture of support to Clarkson, who was booted from the BBC show.
Rumors of the trio's TV comeback started almost ten days ago, with buzz that the team is working on a new show poised to compete against Top Gear. The latest reports also show a tweet from Clarkson, accompanied by a photo showing a sports car in the foreground and a film crew at the back.
"I took this today..." tweeted Clarkson on May 6.
The photo, which looked like it was shot on a racetrack, shows a bright yellow Chevrolet Corvette and a film crew. Someone who looks like Richard Hammond can also be seen in the background.
Clarkson was removed from the show following an altercation with a producer. According to an internal investigation, Clarkson attacked Oisin Tymon, the show's producer, at a north Yorkshire hotel. The 54-year old host reportedly punched Tymon in the mouth and delivered a verbally abusive monologue that lasted for 20 minutes. The encounter came to an end after Clarkson was pulled away by an onlooker.
As a result, Clarkson was suspended from the show. After weeks of speculation, it was announced that the BBC would not be renewing his contract.
Clarkson, according to the company's director-general Lord Hall, had "crossed the line." He added that "there cannot be one rule for one and one rule for another."
In the meantime, the BBC said that it has found replacements for the former Top Gear presenters. The new line-up – which the company called its "dream team" – will be composed of former motorcycle racer Guy Martin, actor Philip Glenister and model Jodie Kidd. There is no official announcement yet from BBC.
"I think what viewers of Top Gear really care about and what I care about is getting a really exciting show," said BBC2 controller Kim Shillinglaw. "That is a process that will take a little bit of time because my God, we really care about this show, I really care about this show."
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