BBC 'threatens to axe Stig over book'

The BBC has reportedly threatened to axe Top Gear star The Stig over his plans to publish a tell-all book.

It was revealed yesterday that the racing driver, whose identity has remained a closely-guarded secret, was locked in a legal battle with BBC bosses over the publication of an autobiography about his time on the show.

However, the corporation is now preparing to drop him from the motoring programme if he proceeds to release the book unveiling his true identity, according to The Sun.

A source said: "Bosses are really angry. Part of the charm of the show is people don't know who The Stig is - if he revealed his identity that would be lost."

The source went on to compare the situation to that of The Stig's black-suited predecessor Perry McCarthy, who is said to have been fired from the show after he went public with his real identity.

The BBC previously argued that the book "breaches agreed contractual and confidentiality obligations", but The Stig's legal team are believed to have countered this claim with their own documentation.