Yes, I am convinced he was sacked, because he "joked" about the wrong person and implied the reason he hadn't turned up for work, which wasn't very professional.
I agree. I saw the show too and prior to that there had been quite a few comments made by TG about JB. All very jokey of course but I reckon JB decided he'd crossed the line with the "ill as a newt" comment.
Whether TG was sacked, or left because he didnt appreciate being reprimanded we'll never know. He always struck me as the type who'd tell them to stuff it.
Just shows though.... Don't mess with Ballantyne.