Jeremy Clarkson today issued a swift apology in a bid to save his job at the BBC - as fury erupted over his branding of Gordon Brown as a 'one-eyed Scottish idiot'.
The Top Gear presenter, who traditionally takes pride in making insulting and offensive remarks, was this time quick to climb down.
Insiders said that following the furore over Carol Thatcher, the BBC would have to be seen to be taking a hard line on him if he had failed to fully apologise.
Top Gear hosts Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond pose for photographs in front of the Sydney Harbour Bridge
But the 48-year-old - who is paid £2million a year by the BBC - rushed to issue a statement after widespread condemnation from politicians and disability groups.
A contrite Clarkson said: 'In the heat of the moment I made a remark about the Prime Minister's personal appearance for which, upon reflection, I apologise.'
The presenter made the offensive remarks in Sydney whilst hosting a press conference about Top Gear Live, a stage version of the popular motor show.
He compared the Prime Minister unfavourably with Australian premier Kevin Rudd, who had just addressed his country on the scale of the global economic downturn.
Clarkson then accused Gordon Brown of lying before insulting him because he only has sight in one eye, following a rugby accident in his teens.
He said to the audience: '(In the UK) we've got this one-eyed Scottish idiot, he keeps telling us everything's fine and he's saved the world and we know he's lying, but he's smooth at telling us.'
Injury: Gordon Brown, pictured yesterday in Downing Street, lost the sight in one eye in a rugby accident when he was a teenager
The presenter appeared to acknowledge that he had been rude almost immediately.He said to co-star Richard Hammond:'I said that out loud, didn't I?', before laughing the situation off.
Public anger escalated in the UK however, with some calling for the corporation to take Clarkson off air.
Lord Foulkes, a former Labour Scottish minister, said: 'If the BBC banned Jonathan Ross for what he said and they have taken Carol Thatcher off air for something she said in private, then something should be done about Clarkson.'
Lesley-Anne Alexander, chief executive of the Royal National Institute for the Blind, said: 'Mr Clarkson's description of Prime Minister Brown is offensive. Any suggestion that equates disability with incompetence is totally unacceptable. We would be happy to help Mr Clarkson understand the positive contribution people with sight loss make to society."
Although Downing Street has officially declined to comment, arguing that 'Mr Clarkson is entitled to his own interpretation of the economic circumstances,' business secretary Lord Mandelson, gave a caustic reaction.
'I've got absolutely no repeatable views to express on Mr Jeremy Clarkson,' he said.
Clarkson also insulted Top Gear fans at the event describing those that come to the studios as 'apes'.
Attraction: Clarkson also revealed a secret crush on feminist Germaine Greer
The BBC issued a statement noting that the presenter had apologised and said no further action would be taken because of this.
The broadcaster was still accused of hypocrisy after axing Thatcher from her role as roving reporter on The One Show after she called a black tennis player a 'golliwog' in a conversation that took place off air.
Miss Thatcher's agent yesterday questioned whether the BBC was employing double standards in the treatment of Clarkson and her client.
Asked about the difference in the corporation's treatment between the two, Ali Gunn said: "The BBC operates with double standards. It would be nice to know where they draw their lines.
'This week has been David and Goliath - the whole of the BBC wheeled out against Carol and I.
'I think it has become more personal than it was but I don't want to get involved in a tit for tat with the BBC. We have made our statements and we stand by them.
'I am not going to get involved in the Jeremy Clarkson issue. I really like him.'
A corporation insider said: 'He [Clarkson] has given an unconditional apology, we have accepted it so there is no need for any further debate.'
Clarkson has a reputation for making offensive remarks, and usually takes pride in appearing unrepentant over them.
Last year, more than 500 people complained after he made a remark suggesting that all lorry drivers murder prostitutes.
Despite the upset, he made light of the comments, and in one newspaper column defended 'poor old Chris Moyles' after he made a joke appearing to imply that Polish women made good prostitutes.