The departure of Andy Wilman, an executive producer of the show who is also a friend of Clarkson, leads to speculation that he and Clarkson will work on a new motoring show.
- April 24, 2015
AceShowbiz -
"Top Gear" executive producer Andy Wilman is leaving the show, a month after host Jeremy Clarkson was fired by BBC. The British network confirmed Wilman's departure on Thursday, April 23. He previously hinted at his exit in an email titled "au revoir" sent to the program's team.
"Our stint as guardians of Top Gear was a good one, but we were only part of the show's history, not the whole of it. Those two words are bigger than us," he wrote in the email. He thanked staff for their efforts and said they had made "television that was beautiful to look at and beautiful to listen to."
He added, "At least we left 'em wanting more. And that alone, when you think about it, is quite an achievement for a show that started 13 years ago.... For those of you who still rely on it for work, don't worry, because the BBC will make sure the show continues."
At the time, however, he denied that it was a "resignation statement."
Wilman was responsible for reviving "Top Gear" in 2002 and bringing it to global success. His departure leads to speculation that he and Clarkson will reunite for a new motoring show.
Co-host James May has also announced that he will not return for the BBC series, believing it would not be the same without Clarkson. The future of the third presenter, Richard Hammond, is still unknown.
Clarkson was fired from "Top Gear" following a "fracas" with producer Oisin Tymon. BBC learned that Tymon "suffered significant personal distress" after being "the victim of an unprovoked physical and verbal attack" by Clarkson.
