Mayor backs Jeremy Clarkson as complaints top 21,000

Boris Johnson offered Jeremy Clarkson his support today as complaints over the TV presenter's comments that striking public sector workers "should be shot" soared above 21,000.

Although the Mayor criticised the Top Gear frontman's "crude choice of language", he suggested that he had sympathy for what he was trying to say.

Mr Johnson told LBC radio presenter Nick Ferrari: "What he was trying to say was, look in tough times, when you've got a real need for pension reform, is it really necessary to try to paralyse the country and stop vital services? I think that was the point."

It comes as complaints to the BBC about Clarkson's appearance on The One Show rose to 21,335. Both Clarkson, 51, and the BBC have apologised for the remarks after condemnation by unions, politicians and viewers.

The corporation faced new questions today after it was claimed a producer went through the script with Clarkson before the show. A source said: "They went through all the questions with him and he answered all the questions. They knew everything he was going to do and he didn't go off script at all."

A BBC spokesman said: "Jeremy had a meeting with a One Show producer before appearing, as is standard for all guests. The meeting is to cover the topics that will be discussed and the expectations the show has around issues such as tone and balance. It was made clear where those boundaries lay."

On the evening of Britain's biggest public sector strikes for 30 years, Clarkson said: "I'd have them all shot. I would take them outside and execute them in front of their families. I mean, how dare they go on strike when they've got these gilt-edged pensions that are going to be guaranteed while the rest of us have to work for a living?"

Despite the apology, Clarkson told the Sun today that "there isn't a case to answer" in the context of the full interview. He added: "It's a knee-jerk reaction to something where you're only getting part of the story."

The corporation said it felt the item "wasn't perfectly judged", and added: "The BBC and Jeremy would like to apologise for any offence caused."