But anyone ready to step into Clarkson’s shoes surely must possess certain qualities if fans of the hit motoring show are going to feel like he never left.
Here’s just a few of the possible contenders:
Chris Evans
Chris Evans has dismissed claims he will replace Clarkson
Current job: Part-time One Show host and full-time Radio 2 breakfast presenter
Age: 48
Key Skills: A charismatic figurehead who has been on the media circuit even longer than Clarkson. He's also a Tory supporter and owns a vintage Ferrari so would be well suited to fill Clarkson's shoes.
Nigel Farage
Current job: Leader of UKIP
Age: 50
Key skills: Admits he is like Marmite but has a thick skin. Racist ‘jokes’ inevitable to make Clarkson’s N-word and “slope” scandals look tame.
Katie Hopkins
Current job: Media commentator and reality TV star
Age: 40
Key skills: Famous for being 'the most hated woman in Britain'. Incredible ability to spark outrage with everything she says, even more so than Clarkson. One of his biggest fans. She is a woman though…shock horror.
Piers Morgan
Former Daily Mirror editor Piers Morgan
Current job: Journalist
Age: 49
Key skills: Loves the sound of his voice (in real life and on Twitter). Fan of the jeans and a suit jacket look. Ready to do almost anything to get one up on Clarkson.
Danny Dyer
EastEnders fan favourite Danny Dyer
Current job: Actor on EastEnders
Age: 37
Key skills: Loudmouth. Fan favourite for his larger-than-life personality. Sure to dominate Top Gear in much the same way Clarkson has done.
Jeremy Clarkson's Top 25 Most Obnoxious Lines
Show all 26
Stephen Fry
Stephen Fry is a less obvious choice to replace Clarkson
Current job: Actor and presenter
Age: 57
Key skills: Big ego. Extreme intelligence, which would “change the dynamic a touch” as some Twitter users are noting.
Jeremy Paxman
Jeremy Paxman would certainly tear the cars to pieces
Current job: Broadcaster
Age: 64
Key skills: Sure, he’s not exactly bidding for a slot on Top Gear, but having the same name as Clarkson has got to count for something. Famous for his aggressive interviewing style, he would no doubt enjoy passing harsh judgement on the cars and guests alike after leaving Newsnight.
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