With Chris Evans strenuously denying that he will take on the role, the spotlight has turned onto Jodie Kidd.
The 36-year-old, self-confessed petrolhead owns a multitude of classic cars, co-presents The Classic Car Show and is famous for achieving one of the fastest lap times on Top Gear’s “star in a reasonably priced car” segment.
Having met Kidd for the first time at an awards event, Clarkson invited the supermodel to take part in the show as a celebrity racer.
Surprising everyone with her skills on the track, Jodie quickly became hooked on racing and subsequently enjoyed a four-year career as a Maserati racing driver in the Trofeo series.
Following the BBC’s decision not to renew Clarkson’s contract, bookies have slashed the odds on Kidd replacing him as host of the BBC show to 2/1.
When asked in 2014 if she would ever be interested in joining the line-up on the hit BBC show, Kidd replied, “I couldn’t join those boys. No, God no.”
Now that the position is up for grabs, will she be saying yes this time?
Words by Katie Holloway