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Top Gear Boss Denies Quitting Amid Clarkson Row

The executive producer of Top Gear has denied reports he has left the show in the wake of the departure of presenter Jeremy Clarkson.

Andy Wilman sent an email to staff on Monday congratulating them on making "one of the most iconic programmes in TV history", which was obtained by the motoring news website Jalopnik, which published it in full.

The contents of the email were widely reported as being Mr Wilman's resignation statement.

But in a statement released on Tuesday, he said: "The email I wrote yesterday was not a resignation statement, and nor was it meant for public consumption.

"It was a private note of thanks to 113 people who have worked on the show over the years, but clearly one of those 113 is a bit of a tit, because they shared it with a website.

"I don't get this modern obsession with sharing, linking, forwarding, retweeting. Whatever happened to a private moment?

"And if I were to resign, I wouldn't do it publicly. I'd do it old school by handing in my notice, to someone upstairs in HR.

"I work behind the camera and I wouldn't presume for one moment to think people are interested in what I do. Now, everyone back to work."

A Top Gear spokeswoman said: "Andy's email was intended as a heartfelt message to people who had worked with him and Jeremy, to recognise the fact that with Jeremy leaving it was the end of an era

"It was not a farewell but a thank you to people who have been important to the show over the last 12 years.

"It was bringing down the curtain on the Clarkson era, not announcing his own departure."

In the message, Mr Wilman indicated the show will continue despite the recent controversy over Clarkson's altercation with producer Oisin Tymon.

He said: "Well, 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.

"I know none of us wanted it to end this way, but for a moment I'd like us to look back and think about just what an incredible thing you all had a hand in creating.

"When Jane Root gave us the green light in 2002, the brief was to reinvigorate a car show and get an audience of three million.

"What you all ended up making was one of the most iconic programmes in TV history, a show about cars that went global, won countless awards, was devoured by non car fans and ended up in the Guinness Book of Records."

Clarkson's contract was not renewed by the BBC after an internal investigation found he had "crossed a line".

Mr Tymon was punched by Clarkson during a row over food at a hotel in North Yorkshire.

North Yorkshire Police, which has already spoken to some potential witnesses, said the force is still investigating the incident, despite Mr Tymon telling police he did not want to press charges .

Police are also investigating allegations of threats to kill BBC director general Tony Hall reportedly linked to his decision to drop Clarkson.