TOP Gear host Jeremy Clarkson reckons co-stars Richard Hammond and James May WON’T quit — despite their pay row.

Sun columnist Clarkson, 48, said he would PAY to host the hit BBC2 motoring show.

May, 45, and Hammond, 38, want a bumper increase to put them above Clarkson — as he earns extra cash promoting Top Gear around the world, with a version set to launch in the US.

Hammond wants to DOUBLE his money to more than £30,000 an episode.

The pair are both out of contract.

But last night Clarkson said: “They won’t leave. It’s the best job in the world. I’d pay to do it.”


The BBC has offered to bump the duo’s wages up — but refuses to meet their high demands.

They reckon Clarkson and executive producer Andy Wilman do the most work — and claim Clarkson’s extra earnings are “miniscule”.

An insider hit back at the stars last night — warning that Top Gear would suffer if it had to shell out more on wages.

He said: “The BBC offered a good deal but neither of them are pleased.


“They don’t seem to realise the BBC doesn’t have a bottomless pit of cash for Top Gear.

“The reason it’s so good is most of the budget goes on screen. If you start giving all the cash to the hosts the show will suffer.”

The source said it was unlikely the pair would leave as Top Gear made them big stars.

He added: “Who had ever heard of Richard Hammond before Top Gear?”