Marmitesque TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson is embroiled in further controversy this weekend, after revelations that the Top Gear production team was attacked by an angry crowd of Argentinians.
Clarkson, who reputedly earns £1 million a year for fronting the popular BBC Two motoring programme, was in South America filming on the remote Patagonian Highway between Argentina and Chile.
The outspoken presenter was driving a Porshe 928 with the registration number H982 FKL, which some of the locals interpreted as mocking Argentina's defeat in the 1982 Falkland Islands conflict.
Speaking on Twitter shortly after his return to the UK, Clarkson said: "The number plate WAS a coincidence. When it was pointed out to us, we change it.
"They threw us out for political capital. Thousands chased crew to border. Someone could have been killed."
Several images have been published showing damage sustained to the vehicle when angry natives threw missiles at it.
Andy Wilman, executive producer for Top Gear, said on Thursday: "Top Gear production purchased three cars for a forthcoming programme; to suggest that this car was either chosen for its number plate, or that an alternative number plate was substituted for the original is completely untrue."
Top Gear in general and Clarkson in particular are never far away from controversy. Earlier this year the 54 year old received a final warning from BBC bosses when footage emerged showing him using a racially offensive term.
Despite drinking in last chance saloon, Clarkson was in trouble again when Ofcom upheld a complaint about him referring to an Asian man as a "slope" in the Top Gear Burma special.
Despite drinking in last chance saloon, Clarkson was in trouble again when Ofcom upheld a complaint about him referring to an Asian man as a "slope" in the Top Gear Burma special.
Sky News has produced a helpful summary of some of Clarkson's other notable gaffes.