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Double departure hits Top Gear

The BBC’s bid to relaunch Top Gear following the exit of presenter Jeremy Clarkson has been dealt another blow after one of the show’s co-hosts and an exec producer revealed they were leaving.

James May (right) has confirmed he will leave Top Gear

James May (right) has confirmed he will leave Top Gear

Presenter James May and exec producer Andy Wilman have both said they will leave the show following the decision not to renew Clarkson’s contract after a “fracas” with another producer earlier this year.

Wilman relaunched Top Gear with Clarkson in 2002 and the two school friends went on to turn the show into a global hit. It has become one of BBC2′s highest-rating programmes and a best-selling brand for commercial arm BBC Worldwide (BBCWW), estimated to pull in around £50m (US$75m) a year.

The UK pubcaster has said it will attempt to continue the show with new hosts, but foreign buyers have expressed scepticism that it will have the same appeal for viewers.

The BBC chose not to extend Clarkson’s contract following his altercation with producer Oisin Tymon over meal provision, but have said the presenter will be returning to the company on new projects.

Clarkson has since been rumoured to be in talks over a new motoring show with various parties, including Netflix, although there has been no confirmation over his next move.

Top Gear’s rights are owned by Bedder 6, which was a joint venture between BBCWW, Clarkson and Wilman. BBCWW bought out Clarkson and Wilman’s stakes in the company in 2012.

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