Jeremy Clarkson has launched a scathing attack on the BBC, insisting the broadcaster has become too concerned with political correctness.
The controversial TV personality was famously fired from his gig at ‘Top Gear’ last year, over a much-publicised “fracas” involving a producer on the show, and has now spoken out about what he deems a “tiresome” wave of political correctness at the corporation.
The BBC announces Jeremy Clarkson’s contract will not be renewed, following a fracas involving a cold dinner on location, and a punched producer. "A line has been crossed," said the BBC's statement.
24 April 2015
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Richard Hammond joins James May in confirming they won't be back either, the team comes as a trio.
16 June 2015
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The BBC reveals their Radio 2 breakfast show host Chris Evans will be leading the new team.
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30 July 2015
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AmazonPrime reveals they’ve signed up Clarkson and co for an online motoring show, with a reported £10million/year package, with the series set to debut later in 2016.
28 November 2015
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Chris Evans reveals the show's debut date of 8 May, with an eight-episode series planned.
22 December 2015
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‘Top Gear’ producer Lisa Clark departs the team abruptly, saying she is to "pursue other projects", but wishes the team well.
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23 December 2015
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She is swiftly followed out of the door by script editor Tom Ford.
4 February 2016
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Matt LeBlanc is confirmed as a fellow presenter.
11 February 2016
BBC
Rory Reid, Sabine Schmitz, Chris Harris and Eddie Jordan all confirmed to join.
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26 February 2016
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The BBC announces a fresh debut date of 22 May, with six episodes scheduled instead of eight.
19 January 2016
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BBC Two commissioner Kim Shillinglaw, who has been overseeing the relaunch of the show, announces she will be leaving her role. Due to a re-organisation at the BBC, there will be no one to replace her, meaning Chris Evans will report directly to the Controller of Channels, Jane Moore.
10 February 2016
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Matt LeBlanc confirms that he has signed to a US sitcom 'I'm Not Your Friend', leading to concern that he may have stretched himself too thin for 'Top Gear' duties.
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13 March 2016
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Veterans complain about the ‘Top Gear’ team filming stunts, creating donut turns and speed dust, in London’s Whitehall, with shots including footage of the country’s most revered war memorial, the Cenotaph.
14 March 2016
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Chris Evans makes a public apology for the team’s actions, while adding, “This isn't a shoot I'm particularly involved in." And takes to wearing pyjamas to work.
The show receives a major boost with news that streaming service Netflix has bought rights to distribute the show internationally, thus bringing the new series to a potential 75 million subscribers.
13 April 2016
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The atmosphere on set is said to be “frosty” following Chris Evans’ continuing fury over the Cenotaph stunt.
Apart from that...
BBC
It's all been smooth sailing. We wait for 22 May with bated breath.