Top Gear has marked the end of an era with footage of Jeremy Clarkson saying he “hates” working on the show.

The 75-minutes of footage for the finale was filmed before Jeremy was fired from the BBC Two programme.

Aired as two separate films, in the second instalment, while stuck in a muddy river Jeremy is heard lamenting: “I hate working on Top Gear”.

Richard Hammond in a flat cap at a race course with Jeremy Clarkson and James May
Richard Hammond in a flat cap at a race course with Clarkson and May (Ellis O’Brien/BBC)

Minutes before that Jeremy appears to wee in his dinner suit saying: “I can’t imagine a urine soaked pair of trousers is going to the put the audience off because…” he explains, gesturing to his mud-covered hands and clothes.

In the challenge, the trio were tasked with racing across muddy farmlands to reach a black-tie event at Broughton Hall.

The last person to arrive had to give a speech in aid of the North Yorkshire Carbon Management and Sustainability Trust.

The show format featured James May and Hammond presenting in an empty studio, without Jeremy or the usual live audience.

Also visible in the studio was the ‘elephant in the room’, a 10ft plastic replica elephant from a Hull design company which the show’s makers borrowed, called Jeremy.

A scene showing a quiz in a pub with some of the show’s producers had people on social media speculating whether one of them was Oisin Tymon, who Jeremy fell out with.

Other highlights included Richard being strapped to the top of aeroplane, his prize for winning their classic car challenge.

Reports have speculated as to what the viewing figures for the final show will be.

The show’s highest-ever figures are 8.35 million, from a 2007 show featuring Formula One ace Lewis Hamilton.

Opinion on social media was divided, with fans and celebrities expressing sadness and glee.

Jeremy was vocal about the final, calling the final instalment “cobbled together” in a column he wrote for The Sun.

He also commented on Twitter hours before the final aired, saying: “Strange that BBC News is talking down the last Top Gear tonight. Do they not want big ratings for some reason?”

However, after the final episode he tweeted thanking his fans.

The show will return with new host, Chris Evans, next year.

Chris has called on Top Gear fans to send in short audition clips to join him as a co-host on the revamped show.