Jeremy Clarkson 'so sad and sorry' following last Top Gear episode

Jeremy Clarkson took to Twitter last night (28 June) to tell Top Gear fans that he is "so sorry it's ended like this" following the airing of the final episode of Top Gear hosted by himself, Richard Hammond and James May.

More than 8.35 million viewers tuned into the 75-minute special, compiled from footage shot prior to Clarkson being axed from the show, which was also broadcast as a swansong for all three hosts. Hammond and May have also chose to leave the show.

May opened the show with the statement: "Hello, and welcome to what's left of Top Gear," while behind him stood a 10ft plastic elephant which the show had been lent by a design company in Hull. Apparently, it was called Jeremy.

It went on to feature two separate films, both completed before Clarkson's departure, however it was accompanied by a recently recorded voice-over filmed by the 55-year-old, for which, it has been reported, he was not paid. Hammond and May hosted new links to begin and finish the special without the typical Top Gear audience in the background.

Following the screening, Clarkson's tweeted: "Many many thanks for all your support and encouragement over the years. So sad and sorry it's ended like this."

Co-presenter Hammond wrote on his own social media account: "Can't believe that one life has room to accommodate the first and the last steps of that incredible adventure. Thanks for your company."

Clarkson and Hammond were not the only ones using Twitter to share their feelings on the final episode. Many viewers of the show voiced their opinions on the special as it was broadcast -- with the majority of them describing the feature's "sad" feeling.

An end of a fantastic era, This devastation is exactly how everyone felt when The Beatles split up. #TopGear THE STUPID BBC !!!
— Matthew Hughes (@MatthewGTHughes) June 28, 2015

The last top gear episode was kinda sad.
— Quickdraw (@quickdraw_46) June 29, 2015

I'm going to write an angry letter to the @BBC about Top Gear, I'm actually so upset #TopGear #bringbackclarkson
— Lewis Bunting (@Lou_LouuB) June 28, 2015

Watching the last top gear with a saddened feeing. Stupid BBC ruining it for the viewers yet again #TopGear.
— lindsay williamson (@linzipink) June 28, 2015

Whereas some Twitter had little sympathy.

Yes, a fun show has been lost but remember, he brought that on himself. Be angry at #JeremyClarkson not the #BBC for no more top gear.
— Amy Walker (@Amazing_Amy_W) June 29, 2015

Sick of seeing how "sad" last ep of Top Gear was. Almost as if sacking Jezza Clarkson for PUNCHING SOMEONE IN THE FACE is an injustice.
— burt macklin. (@AliceYarr) June 29, 2015

Radio and television personality, Chris Evans has been confirmed as replacement host for Clarkson when the series starts shooting again and has recently hinted that it might feature a female co-host.

Elsewhere, Clarkson, Hammond and May are set to be making their own motoring show with former Top Gear producer Andy Wilman, completely separate from the BBC, with talks of the programme being featured on either Netflix or ITV.