Top Gear in anti-smoking row

16 October 2007 - BBC programme Top Gear is facing complaints from anti-smoking campaigners after presenters lit pipes on a recent episode.

Jeremy Clarkson and James May were seen lighting up pipes during a light-hearted discussion about Porsche-branded merchandise. Richard Hammond did not take part because he has recently quit smoking.

Clarkson then put the wrong end of the pipe in his mouth and was filmed running off of the set, which is located at Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey.

A spokesperson for Action on Smoking and Health claimed that the behaviour was wrong, saying: "Smoking in a studio is illegal. We would hope programme-makers make some form of apology."

She added that "there are no exceptions" to the ban on smoking in public places in England which came into force in July, explaining: "This isn't covered by artistic integrity."

However, a spokesperson from the BBC contended that the corporation was "very upfront about the style and tone of the show" and that only a couple of viewers had complained.

In a recent poll conducted on behalf of digital channel Dave, Jeremy Clarkson was voted the fourth greatest British wit, after Oscar Wilde, Spike Milligan and Stephen Fry.

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