Bad news for those of us expecting to watch the original Top Gear on our tellies as Jeremy Clarkson has confirmed the rumors that there will be no more episodes of the show this year.

“There’s a rumour in internet land that there will be no more Top Gears this year. I’m afraid that apart from an Xmas special, it’s true,” Clarkson wrote on his Twitter account.

On the bright side, Top Gear, which also features Richard Hammond and James May, will return with new episodes in January of 2013.

“We will be back in January,” said Clarkson, who added, “The good news is that the longer we have to make the films, the better they will be”.

As for the reason why Top Gear is taking a break, Clarkson pointed the finger to Simon Cowell and his high-rating show, The X-Factor.

“Would love to be back in the Autumn but Sunday nights then will be full of fat people singing,” he said. “Top Gear is a medium sized van. Cowell is a juggernaut. When he has finished his singing competition, our new series will start.”

Story References: Twitter/Clarkson via Jalopnik

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