Top Gear producer Andy Wilman quits show in wake of Jeremy Clarkson's departure
Top Gear's executive producer Andy Wilman has quit the show following Jeremy Clarkson's departure, the BBC has confirmed.
It comes a month after he denied rumours he was leaving, fuelled by a leaked e-mail in which he appeared to thank all the staff he had worked with on the programme.
Clarkson was suspended by the BBC last month during an internal investigation after he attacked Top Gear producer Oisin Tymon, splitting his lip and verbally abusing him. Director-general Tony Hall said he had crossed a line, adding: "There cannot be one rule for one and one rule for another."
But the broadcasting veteran received widespread public support, including from friend David Cameron. A one-million-signature petition calling for Mr Clarkson to be reinstated was delivered to New Broadcasting House in a tank, while the Prime Minister revealed his 11-year-old daughter Nancy had threatened to go on hunger strike in protest at the presenter's suspension.
Mr Wilman's departure came after the agent of Clarkson's former co-presenter James May said he was still in talks with the broadcaster - despite earlier reports he had ruled out a return to the show without Clarkson.
Mr Wilman is an old school friend of Clarkson's.
Additional reporting by Press Association
