Clarkson snubs Top Gear plans

London - Top Gear star Jeremy Clarkson has put his family first by refusing to relocate to the US.

The BBC chiefs of Top Gear were on the brink of signing a multi-million dollar contract for a US version of the hit motoring show, when their plans came to a halt.

According to The Sun.co.uk, Clarkson refused to relocate to the US because he'd be away from his family and friends.

The gruelling filming schedule would've meant that Clarkson and his co-stars, Richard Hammond and James May, would have had to live in the US for four months.

The US version of the show is set to feature the same format as the UK version, but focus more on US cars such as Buicks and Cadillacs.

"There were two very big deals on the table and the BBC was just about to sign one of them," the The Sun.co.uk reports an insider as saying.

"But because it takes a long time to film the show it meant the crew and presenters would have had to live out there for several months. Jeremy (Clarkson) didn't want to do that because his life and family are in Britain, so it's been shelved."

"It's a massive shame because the programme would be huge over there as the Americans love their cars. That said, I'm sure it will happen one day."

Top Gear managing director, Adam Waddell, said that the BBC still intends to create a US version of Top Gear.

"We don't comment on specific negotiations. Suffice to say, BBC Worldwide still has aspirations to take Top Gear to the US and there's no reason why those plans shouldn't include Jeremy," said Waddell.