Jeremy Clarkson sacked by BBC: What next for the Top Gear superstar presenter?

Jeremy Clarkson is likely to head for the BBC's rival Sky after being sacked as Top Gear presenter according to Ladbrokes.

Tony Hall, BBC's director general, announced on 25 March with "great regret" that the corporation will not be renewing Clarkson's contract after an investigation found "a line had been crossed" after he assaulted producer Oisin Tymon in an "unprovoked attack" that left him needing accident and emergency treatment.

He said: "There cannot be one rule for one and one rule for another dictated by either rank, or public relations and commercial considerations."

But Hall praised Clarkson as a "huge talent" and thanked him for his contribution to the BBC, and assured he would still have future career on TV.

"He may be leaving the BBC but I am sure he will continue to entertain, challenge and amuse audiences for many years to come," he said.

According to Ladbrokes, Sky at 6/4 is the most likely place for Clarkson to go to next. Channel 5 is second at 7/2, followed by ITV and as a Britain's Got Talent judge jointly at 5/1.

In fourth, odds are 6/1 that he will join Channel 4 and 33/1 that he might become an official Tory candidate for Mayor of London at 100/1.

Jessica Bridge of Ladbrokes said: "After Rupert Murdoch's tweet of support, it's hard to not see Jeremy being snapped up by Sky. Top Gear's future looks in serious jeopardy if James May and Richard Hammond also walk away, and it would be an incredibly coup for Sky to sign up all three presenters.

"It's unlikely that Clarkson will replace Boris Johnson, but that hasn't ruled out a few shrewd punters backing him to be the next Mayor of London at 100/1 if he fancies a career as a politician."