[heero_yuy]

JEREMY Clarkson revealed yesterday that he ruled out a sensational return to Top Gear after “someone from the BBC” compared him to paedophile DJ Jimmy Savile.

The sacked presenter, 55, said he was asked by a senior executive at the Corporation about a comeback on the motor show.

But he declined the offer and says “too much has gone on” — including the comparison to late pervert Savile, who hosted Beeb hit Top of the Pops.

Speaking days after bosses handed his old job to Chris Evans, Clarkson — who now plans a rival car programme — said: “I had a meeting with a BBC executive last week and they asked if I’d come back to Top Gear.

“But it was never an option, even with the one million people signing the Bring Back Clarkson petition — for which I was extremely humbled.

“Too much has gone on. After I’d been compared to Jimmy Savile by someone from the BBC and it was splashed all over a Sunday newspaper, how could I go back?

Clarkson met the unnamed BBC exec last Friday — around the time Evans was talking to Beeb entertainment boss Mark Linsey.

It is understood Clarkson would have rejoined sidekicks James May and Richard Hammond on Top Gear had he agreed to a return.

Paywall linky But I've quoted the salient parts for those without access.

Seems the Beeb had looked at the loss of £millions and wanted them all back.