By Benjamin Zhang From Business Insider

Jeremy Clarkson is not returning to TV after all.

Clarkson has decided to pull the plug on his turn as the guest host of an episode of the BBC news quiz show “Have I Got News For You.”

According to the show’s producers, the bombastic TV host and automotive journalist decided against the appearance after a period of reflection.

Clarkson’s cancelled appearance on “Have I Got News For You” would have been his first appearance on the BBC and on TV after the network announced late last month that it would not renew Clarkson’s contract which expired at the end of March.

The network’s decision to part ways with the polarizing TV personality came after an internal BBC inquiry found Clarkson had punched a “Top Gear” producer when he failed to obtain a hot steak dinner after a long day of filming.

In addition, the fracas with the producer came on the heels of a controversy-filled 2014 for Clarkson — which saw the TV host mired in scandal stemming from accusations of racist, sexist, and culturally insensitive comments.

Prior to his dismissal, Clarkson had spent nearly three decades as a host on “Top Gear” and is credited with being the driving force behind the show’s explosive international success.

With more than 350 million weekly viewers, “Top Gear” set the Guinness World record as the most watched factual TV program in the world. In addition to the UK show, the Top Gear brand also includes numerous international spinoffs, a live stadium tour, merchandising, a successful magazine, and website.

Jeremy Clarkson Top Gear YouTube/Top GearClarkson at the helm of “Top Gear’s” pickup truck boat sailing across the English Channel.

“Have I Got News For You” is the BBC’s comedy quiz show where panels of celebrity guests are grilled on the week’s major news stories. For the past decade, the show has employed a series of guest hosts ranging from hollywood stars such as Benedict Cumberbatch and William Shatner to politicians like London Mayor Boris Johnson.
Clarkson has been a frequent participant in the quiz show, and last served as a guest host on an episode in April 2014.

The Clarkson-helmed episode would have aired on April 24. However, this may not be the end of Jeremy Clarkson involvement with “Have I Got News For You.” The show’s producers hinted to BBC News that he may guest host on another episode later in the year.

See the full episode of Clarkson’s 2014 “Have I Got News For You” episode at link below

IMAGE: Jeremy Clarkson BBCYouTube/BBC/amgbob

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