Clarkson's £317,000 from merchandise

9:15pm Saturday 6th September 2008

Top Gear co-host Jeremy Clarkson made around £317,000 from the BBC show's merchandise and overseas sales last year, figures have revealed.

The popular motoring series generated an £8.6 million turnover through sales outside the UK and revenue from items such as Top Gear-branded T-shirts and racing games.

According to accounts filed at Companies House, around £1.8 million of that was post-tax profit.

In the 17 months to the end of March this year, Clarkson earned just over £200,000 from a dividend generated to shareholders of Bedder 6, the joint venture between Clarkson, Top Gear executive producer Andy Wilman and the BBC's commercial arm BBC Worldwide, and £117,000 from the company as "payment for services".

A BBC Worldwide spokesman said: "Apart from published accounts, we don't go into the specific breakdown because it's commercially confidential.

"Remunerating talent for their creative input into expanding the success of the Top Gear brand globally is appropriate and, in this case, extremely good value for money.

"Without their involvement, the success and the resulting profits, which help offset the licence fee, would be diminished substantially. This joint venture ensures we can drive more money back into the programme and maintain its quality and longevity."

BBC Worldwide owns just over 50% of Bedder 6, which was created by Clarkson and Wilman two years ago.

Clarkson is thought to have re-signed to Top Gear earlier this year and is believed to be one of the Corporation's highest-paid stars.

Richard Hammond and James May also recently agreed new Top Gear deals. The Top Gear presenters launched a £20 million world tour earlier this week.

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