Top Gear producer Andy Wilman has denied reports he is quitting the BBC2 show after a leaked email he sent to colleagues appeared to suggest he was resigning. After Jeremy Clarkson's sacking, Wilman congratulated staff on making "one of the most iconic programmes in TV history".

Top GearTop Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson departed Top Gear last week

However, on Tuesday, the producer - whose friendship with Clarkson dates back to their school days - rejected claims of a resignation.

"The email I wrote yesterday was not a resignation statement, and nor was it meant for public consumption.

"It was a private note of thanks to 113 people who have worked on the show over the years, but clearly one of those 113 is a bit of a tit, because they shared it with a website.

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"I don't get this modern obsession with sharing, linking, forwarding, retweeting. Whatever happened to a private moment?

"And if I were to resign, I wouldn't do it publicly. I'd do it old school by handing in my notice, to someone upstairs in HR.

"I work behind the camera and I wouldn't presume for one moment to think people are interested in what I do. Now, everyone back to work."

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The future of the show has been in doubt following Clarkson's departure and both Richard Hammond and James May's contracts run out on Tuesday. Contract discussions have been put on hold in light of recent events - namely the presenter getting involved in a "fracas" with producer Oisin Tymon.

Dermot O'Leary remains the strong favourite to take over from Clarkson as Top Gear presenter, with Jodie Kidd, Chris Evans and Guy Martin next in the betting. Former One Direction Zayn Malik remains an outsider.