JEREMY CLARKSON HAS said he regrets the way his time on Top Gear ended.

Clarkson dropped PA Wire / Press Association Images Jeremy Clarkson PA Wire / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

The final show that featured Clarkson and his co-presenters James May and Richard Hammond aired on BBC Two last night.

Around the same time, Clarkson thanked his 5.3 million followers for their support:

Many many thanks for all your support and encouragement over the years. So sad and sorry it's ended like this
— Jeremy Clarkson (@JeremyClarkson) June 28, 2015

Jeremy Clarkson / Twitter

Clarkson featured in scenes filmed before his contract wasn’t renewed after he punched producer Oisín Tymon in March.

However, he wasn’t present in the studio with Hammond and May – instead there was a giant elephant called Jeremy in the room.

There was no studio audience.

Let's not talk about the elephant in the room... #TopGear pic.twitter.com/KtjwxzrT2X
— Mike Pattinson (@MikePattinson) June 28, 2015

Michael Pattinson / Twitter

The BBC said the episode is predicted to become the highest-rated programme in Top Gear’s history, beating the audience of 8.35 million who tuned in to see Lewis Hamilton’s appearance in December 2007.

Hammond also tweeted about the final episode, while May was at an AC/DC gig when the show aired.

Can't believe that one life has room to accommodate the first and the last steps of that incredible adventure. Thanks for your company.
— Richard Hammond (@RichardHammond) June 28, 2015

Richard Hammond / Twitter

For those of you not at the AC/DC gig, and not about to rock, Top Gear is on. #AintNoisePollution
— James May (@MrJamesMay) June 28, 2015

James May / Twitter

Executive producer Andy Wilman told the Guardian the final show was “very sad, absolutely awful to make”.

Earlier this month, it was announced that Chris Evans is replacing Clarkson. His co-hosts have yet to be confirmed.

End of an era #TopGear pic.twitter.com/YprztHr8Q9
— Mike Pattinson (@MikePattinson) June 28, 2015

Michael Pattinson / Twitter

Clarkson, May and Hammond are said to have turned down a multimillion pound deal to return. They are reportedly in talks to make another show with a different outlet.

Read: Chris Evans is replacing Jeremy Clarkson on Top Gear

Read: ‘He didn’t punch me’: The Stig talks meeting Jeremy Clarkson for the first time in years

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