James May thanks fans for birthday wishes during 'difficult time'

James May has thanked his fans for their birthday wishes, describing them as 'comforting' during what he said is a 'difficult time'.

Although he didn't specify exactly what he meant by 'difficult time', his message arrived shortly before it was reported that Jeremy Clarkson is likely to be axed from Amazon Prime.

In a new report from Variety, sources told the outlet that the streaming service won't be working with Clarkson beyond seasons of The Grand Tour and Clarkson’s Farm that have already been commissioned.

The news arrived in the wake of his comments about Meghan Markle, for which he pleaded forgiveness in an uncharacteristic apology on Instagram.

May, who is co-host of The Grand Tour alongside Clarkson and Richard Hammond, celebrated his milestone 60th birthday yesterday (16 January).

Taking to Twitter, he wrote: "Thank you for all your birthday wishes/crap jokes/sod offs. It is very comforting at this difficult time."

Twitter

In a follow-up message, the TV presenter said: "I have successfully applied for my over-60s bus and tube pass.

"Pretty impressive, old person using the internet, etc etc."

People were full of praise for the Top Gear star, with one writing: "James you’re one of the best television presenters who has ever lived.

"Humour, intellectualism, talent. Thanks for being a vital part of the best TV show in human history."

Another quipped: "There have been less 0-60 ‘jokes’ than I predicted. Chin up."

A third added: "Happy Birthday! Alway remember that you have created a legacy of learning through humour, kindness and passion.

"No matter what continent, you’ve positively touched many lives. Not many people can say that."

A number of people questioned the 'difficult' aspect of the tweet, including this person who asked: "Difficult? What’s difficult in your life?"

@jeremyclarkson1/Instagram

A second chimed in: "Wow! You’ve reached the 'difficult time'. Good luck James."

As said, his long-running TV partner, Clarkson is currently in the midst of a scandal after writing a scathing about Markle for The Sun in which he said he hated her on a 'cellular level'.

Speaking about Prince Harry, he wrote: "I actually feel rather sorry for him because today he’s just a glove puppet with no more control over what he says or does than Basil Brush.

"Meghan, though, is a different story. I hate her.

"Not like I hate Nicola Sturgeon or Rose West. I hate her on a cellular level."

David Warren/Alamy Stock Photo

He continued: "At night, I’m unable to sleep as I lie there, grinding my teeth and dreaming of the day when she is made to parade naked through the streets of every town in Britain while the crowds chant, 'Shame!' and throw lumps of excrement at her."

The column was quickly removed from the paper's website, and Clarkson has since apologised.

LADbible has contacted Amazon Prime and a rep for James May for comment.