BBC director-general Tony Hall says he is still “a fan” of suspended Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson, but said allegations of a fracas with one of the show’s producers were “serious”.

Clarkson himself laughed off his latest controversy telling reporters he was “just off to the job centre” after he was suspended following the row with producer Oisin Tymon.

Speaking to reporters after an appearance at the European Scrutiny Committee, the director-general said: “We have got an investigation going on.

Tony Hall ( Stefan Rousseau/PA)
Tony Hall ( Stefan Rousseau/PA)

“The most important thing in anything like this is to gather the facts. We do not have the facts at the moment.”

He added: “I am a fan of Jeremy Clarkson but this is a serious thing that is alleged to have taken place.”

Asked if he supported Clarkson, co-host James May said: “In many ways no, I have said many times before the man is a knob, but I quite like him. It’s all getting a bit ridiculous.”

Asked what he could remember about the row, May said: “Not very much, I was blind drunk”.

A lawyer for Mr Tymon said his client “intends to await the outcome of the BBC investigation and will make no comment until that investigation is complete”.

Former culture secretary Maria Miller described Clarkson as a “legend” and insisted the BBC had to improve the way it dealt with “larger than life characters”.

Maria Miller (Isabel Infantes/EMPICS)
Maria Miller (Isabel Infantes/EMPICS)

“I think they need to sort this mess out quickly, and not be seen to be punishing the fans,” she told BBC Radio 4′s World at One.

“It’s a fantastic show and I really think the BBC has got an obligation to get this sorted.

“The BBC needs to be better at managing its talent – there are other organisations that have to deal with larger-than-life characters.

Screen grab taken from topgear.com of Top Gear producer Oisin Tymon
Screen grab taken from topgear.com of Top Gear producer Oisin Tymon (BBC Worldwide/PA)

“Perhaps the BBC needs to pull in some of those skills, perhaps look at our football teams. People like (Arsenal manager) Arsene Wenger are doing this day in and day out.”

The BBC is investigating the allegations against Clarkson, but he could walk away from the show when his contract runs out at the end of the month.