THE often outspoken co-host of the popular BBC show Top Gear, Jeremy Clarkson, has been suspended by the BBC "following a fracas" with a producer.

The BBC said the 54-year-old presenter had been suspended "pending an investigation".

As a result, Top Gear will not be broadcast this coming Sunday as previously scheduled.

Clarkson was given what he called his "final warning" from the BBC last May after claims he used a racist word while filming the popular BBC motoring show.