JEREMY Clarkson has spoken of how much he will miss hosting Top Gear, and thanked fans for their support after he was axed from the popular motoring programme.

The presenter, released by the BBC after attacking a producer at a North Yorkshire hotel, has not spoken publicly about being dropped other than to say that "everybody's upset".

But in his Sun column today, Clarkson gave a brief mention to the incident.

"Heartfelt thanks to all those who have written to say how much they will miss me on Top Gear," he wrote. "It's not as much, however, as I'll miss being there."

He was suspended by the broadcaster last month when he became the subject of an internal BBC investigation after splitting the lip of Top Gear producer Oisin Tymon as well as verbal abuse.

Clarkson's contract was not renewed, with director-general Tony Hall saying at the time "a line has been crossed" and "there cannot be one rule for one and one rule for another".

But the 54-year-old star received widespread public support.

The producer was injured in a 30-second-long assault on March 4 and took himself to hospital for treatment.

He was also shouted at by Clarkson who arrived back at Simonstone Hall Hotel, near Hawes, after a long day's filming to be offered a cold meat platter, rather than the hot steak he had ordered.

Earlier this month North Yorkshire Police said that following an investigation Clarkson would face no further police action over the attack.

Clarkson pulled out of his planned appearance hosting BBC satirical show Have I Got News For You, which was due to be filmed next week, and aired a day later.

It would have marked his first BBC appearance since the fracas which led to his departure.