Former Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson appeared in public tonight to help a charity close to his Cotswolds home.
The presenter, released by the BBC after he attacked a producer on the hit motoring show, stepped out to fulfil another long-running role as auctioneer at an annual fundraiser for Chipping Norton Lido.
He chatted to fans outside the town hall venue after arriving in a sleek sports car, before heading inside to lead proceedings to raise money for the charity-run pool.
As he walked in he joked to photographers: "You've got to earn a living. Maybe I ought to take it up."
Clarkson yesterday pulled out of his planned appearance hosting BBC satirical show Have I Got News For You.
The star was due to appear later this month - marking his first BBC appearance since the fracas which led to his departure.
The star was suspended by the broadcaster on March 10 when he became the subject of an internal BBC investigation after he attacked Top Gear producer Oisin Tymon, splitting his lip and verbally abusing him.
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 star received widespread public support.
Tonight's event was an "auction of promises" fundraising for the pool, of which Clarkson has been a long-term supporter. Lots included Top Gear t-shirts signed by Clarkson, a bottle of House of Commons whisky signed by local MP David Cameron and a week's holiday in France.
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