As I understand it, he threw a punch .. but whether it landed on the unfortunate intended recipient or not is unclear.  The reason he became agitated appears to be the intended recipient had failed to make any arrangements for any of the cast or crew to eat after a long days' filming.  Reason enough to be annoyed, I'd say, though, naturally, hitting out is not the answer.

I'm not interested in cars at all, but I happen to really enjoy most of the TG episodes.  JC is great in the role of host, IMV.  I believe his contract expires in a month, so the outcome of this may not matter anyway.  Could it be a publicity ploy by the programme makers?

I do think the BBC is somewhat two-faced to blow up a minor, behind-the-scenes argument into a major kerfuffle.  When you think of the behaviour they have let happen in the past without batting an eyelid, never mind handing out a suspension ...