Actress Somi Guha is said to be suing the BBC after Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson allegedly made a racist remark during a show.

The Daily Mail reports she has instructed lawyers in response to Clarkson using the word 'slope' - a derogatory term for people of Asian descent - in the Top Gear Burma special.

Ms Guha claims that broadcasting Clarkson's comment amounts to unlawful discrimination by a public body.

Her lawyers, Equal Justice, claim her action could cost the BBC £1 million in punitive damages.

In an episode of the show the three hosts - Richard Hammond, James May and Jeremy Clarkson - are tasked with building a bridge over the River Kwai in Thailand.

After completion, Clarkson, 53, said: 'That is a proud moment, but there's a slope on it', as a man walked towards him on a makeshift bridge.

Co-presenter Richard Hammond, 44, replied: 'You're right, it's definitely higher on that side.'

In her written complaint to the BBC, Ms HGuha says: 'Casual racism in the media by established BBC stalwarts is constantly brushed aside.

'Discrimination within the industry is accepted. Racial profiling of roles is accepted and expected.

'I find it offensive that Jeremy Clarkson refers to people of different races in pejorative terms.

A BBC spokeswoman had no comment on Miss Guha's action says the paper.