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Amazon Boss Claims BBC Sacking Jeremy Clarkson Was The 'Dumbest Thing Ever'

Amazon Boss Claims BBC Sacking Jeremy Clarkson Was The 'Dumbest Thing Ever'

Has he got a point?

Mark McGowan

Mark McGowan

Back when Jeremy Clarkson was dismissed from the BBC in 2015 because of a "fracas" with one of the producers on Top Gear, it was huge news.

Clarkson had taken the show from a "poxy car program" to a global phenomenon with the help of Richard Hammond and James May. However, after many controversies over the years, on this particular occasion BBC bosses felt they had no choice but to sack the 57-year-old.

It wasn't exactly doom and gloom for the petrol head though, as he, along with his two mates, were snapped up by Amazon to create The Grand Tour.

The Grand Tour season two preview. Credit: Amazon

Conrad Riggs, head of all of Amazon's unscripted shows, has now had his say on Clarkson's dismissal, claiming it's the stupidest thing any network has done.

"I thought it was the dumbest thing I've ever seen a network do. It was a great opportunity for us. He's a global star," Riggs told the Daily Mail. "I think it was a function of the lack of understanding of the impact that he could have going forward.

"[Top Gear] is about Jeremy. It's like you can't produce The Oprah Winfrey Show without Oprah. The show is really not about the format.

"It's about him and James and Richard. They could probably do a show about cooking, and it would probably be successful as well."

via GIPHY

The Beeb chose to continue producing Top Gear, drafting in new hosts including Chris Evans and Matt LeBlanc. Unfortunately it didn't work out how they would have hoped after Evans quit the show after just one season.

Riggs was among those who were disappointed by the revival of Top Gear, saying: "I saw the first episode of the first season. I struggled to make it through an episode."

Recently Amazon alluded to the fact that Clarkson is irreplaceable, posting a tongue-in-cheek job opening for his replacement.

Credit: Amazon Jobs

If anyone reckons they might be able to fill the role, then they'll have to to take a long look in mirror as they'll have to be Clarkson's doppelganger, as well as having a small friend resembling a rodent, and another averagely sized mate not too dissimilar to a shaggy dog.

"The successful applicant will join a long-established team of variously sized co-hosts and possess a strong knowledge of cars, metaphors and progressive rock music," the job ad says.

"This host will have a proven track record in effectively dealing with colleagues that they find annoying and being lost in unknown locations. They must be entertaining, engaging and willing to pause before delivering the final word or words of some sentences.

"Please note: Preference will be given to especially tall candidates with curly hair."

Only one man for the job thus far, isn't there?

via GIPHY

It goes on to list responsibilities: "This role will work closely with the existing hosts, with duties including (but not limited to) accidentally setting things on fire, handling heavy machinery (badly) and being able to bloody-mindedly argue a point that no one will ever agree.

"Driving the world's fastest and most exciting cars while talking to camera. Ability to do this without crashing would be considered an advantage, but not essential (apparently)."

If you want to be considered there are certain qualifications needed, too. Such as having a valid driver's licence, being efficient in exaggeration and braggadocio and a Twitter following of 6.5 million or more.

"The successful applicant will be required to wear vast amounts of pre-washed denim (attire provided in sizes that are slightly too small)," the listing ends.

Any takers?

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: The Grand Tour, Amazon, Jeremy Clarkson, Top Gear