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A Star Is Reborn? Top Gear Host Clarkson Offered Russia Job


British TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson
British TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson

Jeremy Clarkson, the longtime Top Gear automotive show host dropped by the BBC for attacking his producer, has a job offer from the Russian military.

Zvezda (Star), a Russian TV channel run by the Defense Ministry, has offered Clarkson a job as "a presenter of motoring show on our TV Channel in Moscow."

In a letter addressed "Dear Jeremy" and posted on the channel's website tvzvezda.ru on March 26, the channel invited Clarkson to visit Moscow in early April "to discuss all the details in person."

The state-owned channel promotes the armed forces but also airs general entertainment shows.

Top Gear draws more than 350 million viewers worldwide and is popular in Russia. Clarkson has visited Russia to film the program and present roadshows for fans.

The letter to Clarkson said Zvezda -- whose name and logo are derived from the symbol of the Soviet and Russian militaries -- started broadcasting in 2005 "in 75 regions and 960 cities and villages."

The website cited Daniel Rix, who it identified as Clarkson's "director," as saying Clarkson was somewhat busy handling questions from the media but expressing hope he would "find time to respond" to the offer.

With reporting by AFP
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