New Top Gear hosts: Chris Evans to hold auditions to find co-presenters with anyone welcome to apply

'The one thing that matters is you've got to have a real appetite for cars'

Chris Evans had initially distanced himself from the possibility of taking the Top Gear job (Getty Images)

Ever fancied yourself as a Top Gear host? Well, your time has come, as newly-appointed Jeremy Clarkson replacement Chris Evans has said that auditions will be held to complete the presenting line-up.

The Radio 2 DJ told viewers on The One Show that anyone can apply to join the show whether you are "male, female, old or young". "It doesn't matter," he said. "The one thing that does matter is you've got to have a real appetite for cars, and you've got to know something about cars."

Evans added that former co-hosts James May and Richard Hammond were both discovered through an auditioning process.

Evans has already confirmed that he will be joined by a female, sparking speculation that former model Jodie Kidd is in the driving seat for the job.

Evans, whose appointment was announced on Monday night, told Radio 5 Live's Nicky Campbell he could "100%" confirm he would have a female co-star "but not for the sake of it".

Kidd, a former model who has already appeared on the BBC2 show as a guest, is the hot bookie's favourite for one of the two spots left after Hammond and May left.

Evans has revealed former show host Clarkson was among the first to congratulate him on getting the job.

The 49-year-old has long been tipped to take the high profile role on the flagship BBC show after Clarkson was sacked for punching a Top Gear producer in a row over steak.

Evans repeatedly ruled himself out of the running saying he would "never run for office" but has since signed a three-year contract to head a new presenting line-up.

He told his listeners on his radio show he was only offered the job last Thursday afternoon when Hammond and May finally ruled themselves out of returning, despite May saying that he was never asked to return.

Evans said he immediately texted Clarkson, May and Hammond, to tell them he had been offered the job and accepted it, and they all replied quickly with congratulations.

The final Top Gear episode featuring the old trio will air on Sunday 28 June on BBC2 at 8pm.

(Additional reporting by Press Association)