Controversial TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson has been making headlines again after rumours surfaced that the outspoken host could be axed from hosting quiz show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? However, ITV has now spoken out, clarifying their position on the rumours.
Love him or hate him, it is true to say that Clarkson speaks his mind. And, after offending with his remarks about Meghan Markle in a newspaper column, the outspoken personality put his own career in jeopardy.
Reports on Thursday, March 2, claimed that ITV boss Carolyn McCall had hinted the forthcoming season of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, which is in production, may be Clarkson's final series. The host's contract to present the show is up, according to the Mirror. The publication revealed that an ITV spokesperson had told it: "As we have said before, ITV has a further series of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? contractually commissioned [which has now recorded], and no further commissioning commitments beyond that currently."
However, a later statement by ITV appeared to row back on the interpretation of the original statement. Following widespread speculation that Jeremy, 62, had been axed, the popular channel confirmed: "For the avoidance of doubt neither Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? nor Jeremy Clarkson have been cancelled."
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The Grand Tour presenter hit the headlines after the publication of a column in The Sun which referred to his opinion on the Duchess of Sussex. He had remarked that she should be forced to parade the streets naked with "lumps of excrement thrown at her". The highly controversial column is being investigated by British media regulator IPSO. The Mirror revealed last month that three female stars refused to take part in the celeb version of the ITV quiz show following Clarkson's controversial column.
In the later statement shared by ITV, a spokesperson said: "As we have said for several weeks, ITV is contractually committed to a further series of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? (which has now been recorded.)
"There are no further commissioning commitments beyond that currently as is typical with such shows where we make commissioning decisions on a series by series basis."
They added: "Therefore for the avoidance of doubt neither Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? nor Jeremy Clarkson have been cancelled."
Following the 'axing' reports, Jeremy tweeted: "So many kind messages about today’s reports. But relax. Lisa and I have not split up and I have not been sacked as host of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire."
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