Andy Wilman denies leaving Top Gear after Jeremy Clarkson’s departure

Andy Wilman, the executive producer of BBC’s motoring show Top Gear, has announced he is not quitting the show after Jeremy Clarkson’s departure.

A leaked email from Andy Wilman to Top Gear staff had seemed to suggest he was resigning, but he said it was a private “note of thanks” marking the an end of an era.

Andy Wilman, an old school friend of Jeremy Clarkson, helped re-launch Top Gear in 2002.

Jeremy Clarkson, 54, was dropped by the broadcaster earlier this month following a “fracas” with show producer Oisin Tymon.

Andy Wilman has issued a statement about the email, saying: “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, er, 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.”

In the leaked email Andy Wilman started with: “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.”

As well as thanking staff, he assured them that the show will continue.

“For those of you who still rely on it for work, don’t worry, because the BBC will make sure the show continues.

“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.”

BBC director general Tony Hall announced on March 25 that the broadcaster would not be renewing Jeremy Clarkson’s contract.

Jeremy Clarkson was suspended on March 10, following what was called a “fracas” Oisin Tymon.

The row, which took place in a Yorkshire hotel, was said to have occurred because no hot food was provided following a day’s filming.

There is no news yet as to whether Top Gear presenters James May and Richard Hammond will return to the show.