Jeremy Clarkson is to appear on stage with his former Top Gear colleagues later this year to fulfil a series of gigs planned before the BBC sacked him for an attack on one of the show’s producers.

The gigs will be stripped of all BBC branding and content and billed as Clarkson, Hammond and May Live.

That means the shows, which will take in venues as far afield as Australia, Norway, South Africa and the UK, will not be able to use clips from the show or feature The Stig.

Jeremy Clarkson with his Top Gear co-presenters James May and Richard Hammond (Ellis O'Brien/BBC Worldwide)
Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond will go on tour (Ellis O’Brien/BBC Worldwide)

A BBC Worldwide spokesman said: “So as not to disappoint the thousands of people around the world who have already purchased tickets, BBC Worldwide has agreed with our joint venture partner Brand Events that the remainder of the tour can continue. These events will not however feature any BBC Top Gear branding or content. We believe this is a sensible approach in the circumstances.”

Some of the dates have already had to be rescheduled and tour organisers believe it may not even make a profit by the time those costs have been taken into account.

A spokesman for Brand Events said: “This is a great solution for the fans. We’d like to thank our ticket holders for their continued patience. The fans are the most important people to Jeremy, Richard and James so we’re delighted to be able to say ‘we’re still coming’. We’re sure it’ll be something you won’t want to miss.”

Top Gear
The three presenters will not be allowed to use any Top Gear content during their live shows (BBC)

The move is likely to spark rumours that the three men intend to team up to continue their careers together after Clarkson’s exit from the corporation, but sources close to the tour say it is just a matter of fulfilling commitments to the fans.

The future of the show’s other two presenters – Richard Hammond and James May – is unclear, with both men’s contracts running out today.

Contract discussions with the show’s stars were put on hold while the BBC suspended Clarkson when it emerged he had been involved in what was initially described as “a fracas” with producer Oisin Tymon and it has been reported that all three men will leave the show.

Police are still investigating threats to kill BBC director-general Tony Hall, reportedly linked to his decision to axe Clarkson.

Tony Hall
Tony Hall faced threats ( Stefan Rousseau/PA)

Scotland Yard confirmed it was looking into allegations made when Mr Hall confirmed he would not be renewing Clarkson’s contract because of his unprovoked attack on Mr Tymon at a North Yorkshire hotel.

The Mail on Sunday reported that the director-general and wife Cynthia had been under 24-hour guard since the threat was received.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: “Police in Westminster are investigating an allegation of threats to kill. The allegation was reported to police on Wednesday March 25. Inquiries continue. No arrests have been made.”

Mr Tymon had his lip split by Clarkson in a 30-second assault on March 4 and took himself to hospital with his injuries. He was also shouted at by the former Top Gear presenter in a torrent of verbal abuse. Clarkson reported the incident to the BBC five days later and was suspended on March 10.