Jeremy Clarkson 'could be given minder' ahead of a potential Top Gear return

The speculation comes amid reports Richard Hammond and James May have refused to film without the presenter

‘Top Gear’ presenter Richard Hammond, seen here with Jeremy Clarkson, has referred to himself as a ‘pikey’ (Rex)

Jeremy Clarkson could be preparing to get back behind the wheel of Britain’s ever controversial car show, but only under the provision that he is given an executive minder to keep him in check.

According to a report in the Daily Mail, a manager is set to be brought in to sit above long-standing executive producer Andy Wilman.

Clarkson and Wilman have been friends since childhood, even attending the same private school in Derby together. However, BBC executives are apparently concerned about Wilman’s ability to keep Clarkson out of controversy.

The article quotes a senior BBC source as saying: “I think that people do see a way to resolve this, and that is by putting someone strong in to manage the show and manage Clarkson. He is a brilliant broadcaster, everyone can see that.”

The speculation comes amid reports that Richard Hammond and James May have refused to film another episode of Top Gear without Clarkson.

An unnamed BBC executive told The Mirror: “They didn’t want to do it without Jeremy so the talks didn’t get off the ground. There is a feeling it is all of them of none of them.”