James May and Richard Hammond refuse to film Top Gear without Jeremy Clarkson

UK Telegraph ^ | 3-19-2015 | Bill Gardner

[tcrlaf]

Top Gear could have stayed on air without Jeremy Clarkson - but his co-hosts reportedly refused to present the show without him.

James May and Richard Hammond were offered the chance to front the motoring show during Clarkson’s suspension, according to a BBC executive.

Discussions were held about broadcasting the last three episodes with mainly recorded segments while the two co-stars filmed the studio parts.

However the BBC insider told the Mirror that May and Hammond rejected the offer and refused to go on air without their long-time colleague.

The source said: "They didn't want to do it without Jeremy so the talks didn't get off the ground.

"There is a feeling that it is all of them or none of them."

[tcrlaf]

It sounds as if this could be a REAL financial disaster for the BBC.

Viewership for their highest-rated time slot fell 81%(!!!) Friday night.

BBC will have to pay out millions in penalties around the world for not showing the last three episodes, and the loss of Top Gear's worldwide revenue could actually collapse next year's BBC budget!

[Jonty30]

Not to mention that they’d have to buy out his contract.

[Rockpile]

They’ll probably raise the TV license fees to compensate.

[W.]

Good on Captain Slow and The Hamster. I've grown quite fond of that show, it's like Motorweek meets Monty Python--although I'll grant English humor is an acquired taste, like Guinness Extra Stout...

[wastedyears]

Guinness is delicious.

[ExSoldier]

I like it too, but I get really tired of Clarkson slamming and insulting all things yank. Pretty droll. But at least they can all handle a supercar with skill at high speed and Hammond is pretty good off-road as well. I like the American version a bit more... I also really like the continued use and praise of the UK military forces and in bringing the military participants onto the show for their episode. That's pretty classy. The one thing I never got used to is their love for warm beer. UGH.

[Rodamala]

Jeremy Clarkson punches out all the right people:

[max americana]

Not to me. Guinness loudly proclaimed they are Ok with the faggot movement.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/3134017/posts

[GunHoardingCapitalist]

On behalf of the American fans, I propose we trade:Piers Morgan, Liam Neeson, and all other anti-gun Brit’s in Hollywood for: Clarkson, May, and Hammond.

[moonhawk]

It’s not so much they like it as the fact they have Lucas refrigerators....

[Dog]

We agree.... I love that show and I’m not a motorhead.

[vette6387]

“It sounds as if this could be a REAL financial disaster for the BBC.”

I hope so. Top Gear is about the best show anywhere in the world, and Clarkson is the guy who makes it work! Maybe the guy he poked was the kind of self-serving prick that passes as s TV producer today. Sadly, moving Top Gear here would be a disaster because the British humor in it cannot be dupllcated.

[deputytess]

I second the motion.

[skinkinthegrass]

July 2010: Burkas and lingerie

.. During a Top Gear discussion on distractions while driving: “Honestly, the burka doesn’t work. I was in a cab in Piccadilly the other day when a woman in a full burka crossing the road in front of me tripped over the pavement, went head over heels and up it came, red g-string and stockings.”

LOL! 😆

[Boiler Plate]

In terms of auto electrical systems, as bad as people think Lucas is, Bosch is ten times worse.

Ask anyone with a VW if they have had any electrical problems and the answer will most likely involve cursing.

[Kozak]

Good for them.

[Kozak]

I’ve owned 6 different types of VW and never had a significant electrical problem.

[uglybiker]

Anyone who doesn’t like Bosch hasn’t had to deal with Marelli (Lucas’s illegitimate Italian cousin). ;-)

[arderkrag]

TG is the best show ever. BBC would be INSANE to end it at this point.

[wally_bert]

I’m glad they are holding where they are. Good for them both.