Clarkson returns to top gear

Jeremy Clarkson is to return to BBC2's Top Gear following an absence of more than three years.

The presenter will front a new-look show and has inked a contract to write for the BBC's Top Gear magazine.

He last fronted the car show in December 1998, but quit because he wanted to move on to other shows about speeding vehicles.

Clarkson said today: "The motorist is under attack from all sides, and this gives me the chance to fight back on behalf of all us petrolheads.

"The BBC is a fantastic organisation and I've had 12 very happy years here and I hope there will be many more to come."

Clarkson had previously spent nine years with Top Gear, which BBC bosses said last year was to undergo a revamp.

Several of the show's presenters have now moved on to a Channel 5 rival Fifth Gear which launches soon.

BBC2 controller Jane Root said of the new deal: "I'm absolutely delighted. This is great news - Jeremy is motoring on television and it's great to have him back in his rightful place - bigger, bolder and ruder than ever before."