Jeremy Clarkson hits back at Top Gear critics

Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson.

Jeremy Clarkson has hit back at rumours that he could be sacked from Top Gear after a flood of racism complaints.

The controversial presenter, 54, revealed in the latest issue of the show's magazine that he would be returning for a new run next year.

"There has been a lot of stuff in the newspapers recently about the future of Top Gear. Some seem to think there isn't one," he said.

"But I can assure you, there is. There are also those who think I won't be part of it. Well, sorry, but I am. Unless I am eaten by a pack of wild dogs before the next series starts early next year."

There was a public backlash against Clarkson when it emerged that he had used the n-word in nursery rhyme "Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Moe" during a Top Gear outtake.

He called an Asian man a "slope" as part of a "humourous" play on words in last year's Burma special, and he has been criticised for jokes about Mexicans and other national groups before.

Last month, BBC director of television Danny Cohen said that while he found Clarkson's language "entirely unacceptable", the man himself "does not see a problem" with it.

"It's like football clubs. No-one is bigger than the club," Cohen told an Edinburgh International Festival audience. "No one show or person is bigger than the BBC and that includes me."

Earlier this week, Chris Evans was forced to deny that he will be replacing Clarkson on Top Gear after speculation began growing that he was being considered for the hosting slot.

Top Gear gaffes

July 2014: Ofcom finds Top Gear has breached broadcasting rules after Clarkson commented on there being a "slope" on a makeshift bridge across the River Kwai as an Asian man came into shot.

May 2014: Clarkson claims to be "mortified" after unbroadcast Top Gear footage emerges showing him using the N-word while reciting the rhyme "Eeny Meeny Miny Moe".

December 2011: The Indian High Commission complains to the BBC after a Top Gear Christmas special mocks Indian culture.

February 2011: The Mexican ambassador to the UK complains of "outrageous, vulgar and inexcusable insults" to his country after Clarkson and his colleagues made a string of jokes about Mexico's national character.

- Independent