Richard, Jeremy and James have all signed a new three-year contract with BBC TV to continue as hosts of Top Gear according to The Guardian.
Further, the article claims that Bedder 6 has been bought by BBC Worldwide. Founded in 2006, Bedder 6 controls the commercial rights to Top Gear and is owned by Clarkson and Andy Wilman, Top Gear’s executive producer.
In 2007 the BBC bought a stake in the company, understood to be just over 50%. Now that stake will be upped to 100%, although the terms of the deal remain confidential.
However, shortly after The Guardian published its article last night Jeremy Clarkson took to twitter and said: “I like the Guardian. It’s a good paper. But the story it’s running about Top Gear on line is seriously wrong.”
We’ll take it that he’s referring to the Bedder 6 content and not the reporting of a new three-year deal for the main presenters.
The Telegraph is also reporting on the story and claims Clarkson is set to earn £15 million from the Bedder 6 sale.
We’re not too fussed on what Clarkson, Wilman or anyone else is making from the show, just so long as they keep making it. A Christmas special is due to air later this year before Season 19 hits UK screens in January 2013.
[Source: The Guardian]