Jeremy Clarkson has spoken out about his turbulent relationship with BBC executives during his time presenting its hit motoring series Top Gear.
In an interview with The Times, he recalled a number of clashes with his former bosses over politics, the death of his mother and even what he wanted to name his dog.
Jeremy, whose contract was not renewed last year after he punched a producer, singled out Danny Cohen, previously BBC director of television. He told The Times Magazine: “Danny and I were, and I suspect will remain for ever, very far apart on every single thing.
“Normally, you could find some common ground with somebody, but I think Danny and I could probably only get on perfectly well so long as we absolutely never had to think about each other for the rest of the time.
“Because I don’t mind anyone having an opinion that’s different to mine, just so long as they don’t mind my opinion either. So long as it doesn’t impinge on what I want to do.”
A source “close to Danny Cohen” reportedly told The Times: “Danny has no interest in responding to inaccurate claims, but remains proud to have taken action against a man who saw fit to punch a colleague.”
The BBC dropped Jeremy, 55, from Top Gear following the outburst, and his co-presenters, James May and Richard Hammond, also left. Last month, Jeremy issued an apology to Oisin Tymon – the former Top Gear producer he punched – after settling a £100,000 racial discrimination and personal injury claim.
