The former Top Gear host was ousted by BBC director general Tony Hall after his 'fracas' but has since claimed that he told the Beeb that his return "would never work"
Jeremy Clarkson has sensationally revealed the BBC offered him a chance to return to Top Gear just last week - only for him to turn them down.
The motormouth presenter hit the skids earlier this year after a string on-air controversial comments were overshadowed by a fracas with producer Oisin Tymon in a row over hot food.
Clarkson, 55, was then ousted by BBC director general Tony Hall who ruled that his contract could not be renewed following his conduct in March.
But Clarkson says last week an unnamed BBC executive performed a U-turn and insisted he could return to the show.
Clarkson refused the offer saying it would never work, according to The Sun, and a source close to Clarkson added: Relationships at the BBC had broken down so he just couldnt come back. It was too little too late for him.
Chris Evans was handed the job shortly after Clarksons conversation, but it is not known how long he has been in negotiations with the BBC.
A BBC spokesman declined to comment on Clarksons claims last night.
But it is well-known that a number of viewers of the show are devastated Clarkson is being replaced.
BBC Director General Tony Hall is a Top Gear fan and had previously stood by Clarkson following a string of controversies, including an incident highlighted by the Mirror last year when he mumbled the N-word in a Top Gear out-take and was forced to apologise.
Top Gear is BBC2s most popular show with more than 5 million viewers a week and generates around £50m a year for its commercial arm, BBC Worldwide.
The new series with Chris Evans is expected to be on screen early next year.
But before that, a one-off special will air featuring films from the remaining three episodes of the interrupted final series with Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May, which had been due to air in March.
Earlier this week Evans said in an interview he had been congratulating on getting the job by the former hosts.
He said he immediately texted the three presenters, Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond, to tell them he had been offered the job and accepted it, and they lined up to congratulate him.
He also said Clarkson could have come back if Hammond and May had stayed on without him for a year.
Speaking to Alex Jones and Matt Baker on BBC's One Show, Evans explained: "I would love to see James and Richard back doing it and who knows, maybe if they'd have come back for a year, maybe Jeremy would've come back after a year."
Clarkson also appeared on Evans TFI anniversary special just a week ago.
