The Top Gear Live shows are set to go ahead, but will not use the name 'Top Gear' or have BBC branding. The announcement on Tuesday will please fans of the motoring Show after its future was put into jeopardy following Jeremy Clarkson's dismissal last week.
Clarkson was told by BBC Director General Tony Hall that his contract with the corporation would not be renewed following an investigation into a "fracas" with a producer. Its widely reported that he punched Top Gear producer Oisin Tymon last month. The BBC said that Tymon had to go to hospital after suffering a 'split lip'.
Top Gear Live has now been rebranded as 'Clarkson, Hammond and May Live'. Several dates have been moved, including Norway, which will not host the event in June. The Australian leg of the tour has also been moved from April to July, and will become an indoor event. BBC Worldwide, the commercial of the BBC, say the decision has been agreed with their joint venture partner Brand Events. Fans in the UK will have to wait until November, when the show arrives at the O2 in London.
The BBC are looking to relaunch Top Gear in 2016 although it is still unknown whether Richard Hammond and James May will continue to presenter the show without their friend Jeremy Clarkson. The three episodes from the latest series, which the BBC pulled, may also be aired as way of tribute to Clarkson's time with the show.
Clarkson had been the face of Top Gear since it was relaunched, in 2002. Executive producer Andy Wilman, who helped with the relaunch to the current format, has said that he will not be quitting after an email he sent to staff was leaked. Wilman issued a statement saying: "It was not a farewell but a thank you to people who have been important to the show over the last 12 years."
The BBC confirmed over the weekend that the director general has had his security stepped up following a threat made against him. It was reported that a death threat was sent just hours after he made the announcement that Clarkson would not be returning to the BBC. It is understood the threat came from outside the UK.
