Jeremy Clarkson's rumoured Top Gear successor gets death threats

Daily Mail

14 Apr, 2015 11:00 PM3 mins to read

Sue Perkins has quit Twitter after getting death threats over rumours she is to replace Jeremy Clarkson on Top Gear. Photo/Getty

Sue Perkins is taking a break from Twitter after getting death threats in response to The Great British Bake Off presenter becoming the bookmakers' favourite to replace Jeremy Clarkson on Top Gear.

Last week, a flurry of bets placed on Perkins, 45, propelled her to the top spot for the now-vacant position, according to bookmakers Coral.

But the popular TV personality has sent several tweets announcing her departure from the social media site.

Guys, post the utterly fabricated story about me & Top Gear, my timeline has been full of blokes wishing me dead...
— Sue Perkins (@sueperkins) April 14, 2015

This morning, someone suggested they'd like to see me burn to death.
— Sue Perkins (@sueperkins) April 14, 2015

All of which goes to say that I am off Twitter for a bit. Love and peace x
— Sue Perkins (@sueperkins) April 14, 2015

Among the fans sending Perkins messages of support was TV presenter Fearne Cotton who tweeted: "There are some awful and sad humans out there. How pathetic. ps you absolutely rock!"

Her co-star Paul Hollywood wrote: "There are some strange people out there but nicer people too be with you soon Sis xx."

Before leaving the site today, Perkins responded to comments by tweeting this:

@Freddtaylor @jongaunt Yawn. a/ not up for the job b/ couldn't imagine anything worse than doing it. Off you pop and troll s/one else.
— Sue Perkins (@sueperkins) April 14, 2015

Clarkson's future at the BBC remains uncertain but he will be back on the channel later this month to host satirical quiz show Have I Got News For You.

The corporation investigated the ousted Top Gear presenter after he attacked one of the show's producers, splitting his lip and abusing him in a 30-second verbal assault on March 4.

He was initially suspended by the broadcaster on March 10 for the attack on Oisin Tymon, before it announced his contract would not be renewed.

Clarkson will appear on stage with his former Top Gear colleagues Richard Hammond and James May later this year to fulfill a series of shows planned before he left the BBC.

They will be stripped of all BBC branding and instead be presented as Clarkson, Hammond and May Live.

That means the show which will tour Australia, Norway, South Africa and the UK will not be able to use clips from the show - or even feature the Stig.