Top Gear: Jodie Kidd, Philip Glenister and Guy Martin 'in advanced talks' to replace Jeremy Clarkson and co

The three names are now thought to be the frontrunners to present the show

Daisy Wyatt
Wednesday 06 May 2015 08:07 BST
Comments
Jodie Kidd, Philip Glenister and Guy Martin
Jodie Kidd, Philip Glenister and Guy Martin

BBC bosses are reportedly in advanced talks to sign Jodie Kidd, Philip Glenister and Guy Martin as the new Top Gear presenters.

The three names have been among the frontrunners tipped to present the show for some time.

Kidd currently presents Channel 5's The Classic Car Show, while motorcycle racer Guy Martin has previously presented documentaries and Life on Mars actor Philip Glenister is thought to add an off-beat element to the line-up.

The show’s co-creator Andy Wilman, who has quit the series, was allegedly overheard describing the new-line up while having lunch with Jamiroquai singer Jay Kay, the Sunday Express reported.

Motorcycle racer Guy Martin has previously presented TV documentaries

The BBC has declined to comment on the speculation.

Last week, Clarkson, Hammond and May were seen filming at Goodwood Motor Circuit, prompting rumours of a possible Top Gear comeback.

It later emerged the trio were filming for their forthcoming UK tour, formerly known as Top Gear Live, which has now been renamed Clarkson, Hammond and May Live following Clarkson’s dismissal from the BBC.

Top Gear will return in a new form next year, with BBC2 controller Kim Shillinglaw refusing to rule out the possibility of a female presenter.

“We’ll definitely look at some women, but it’s not a driving priority”, she said.

“I worked with a lot of female presenters and when I used to work in science that was something across the piste that I really wanted to tackle.

“But I don’t think I’ve ever approached an individual show thinking that was the way I want to cast it so I think it’s an open book on that.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in