Jeremy Clarkson hit producer over catering issue

Jeremy Clarkson apparently hit a producer over a "catering issue".

The 54-year-old Top Gear host has been suspended from the driving show for allegedly punching the programme's assistant producer Oisin Tymon, 36, after he was told there was no food available following a shoot in Newcastle.

A source said: "It was all over a catering issue. Jeremy just saw red and hit the assistant producer, who he blamed for not having organised the food."

A TV insider revealed the incident left other crew members "stunned", and believes it may be the final straw for the BBC who told Jeremy he was on his final warning last year after causing controversy by saying the N-word while reciting a nursery rhyme.

The source told The Sun newspaper: "Jeremy had a massive bust-up with one of the male show producers and he ended up smacking him in the face. Everyone was absolutely stunned.

"Jeremy is an incredibly valuable asset to the BBC. He is Top Gear and the show makes more money than anything else on their roster.

"They have given him countless chances, but when you hit someone, there is no way round it. They had no choice but to suspend him.

"It's very early at this stage, but the fact no one else has been suspended is very telling."

The BBC announced the host's suspension on Tuesday, revealing the final three episodes of the series would be axed after a "fracas" with a producer, which they confirmed they were investigating.

They said: "Following a fracas with a BBC producer, Jeremy Clarkson has been suspended pending an investigation. No one else has been suspended. 'Top Gear' will not be broadcast this Sunday."

However, a source close to the broadcaster - who has been on the show since it began in 1988 - insisted "he didn't punch anyone", with fans campaigning for Jeremy to be reinstated with the #BringBackClarkson hashtag on Twitter.

Making light of his suspension, Jeremy said: "I'm having a nice cold pint and waiting for this to blow over."