The BBC’s reputation and a global news organisation lies in tatters over its sacking of multi-millionaire Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson, which will cost it millions in lost revenue but millions more in loss of kudos.

The BBC on Wednesday sacked its most high-profile TV presenter, Jeremy Clarkson, over an argument about a steak meal in a hotel in northern England, during which Clarkson abused a producer for 20 minutes and hit him, leaving the producer to go to hospital with a busted lip.