New Top Gear trio
AS WE predicted last month in our popular DriveTime FIVE list, Life on Mars star Philip Glenister is leading the list of personalities being considered as the on-screen driving force for the revamped Top Gear show, now that the BBC has rid itself of Jeremy Clarkson and accepted that James May and Richard Hammond will not be renewing their contracts.
A report in the British tabloid The Sunday Express says it has exclusive information that the BBC is really close to signing three all-new people to host the post-Clarkson era Top Gear.
They are Glenister, who has experience and success with the show For the Love of the Car, and can be something of a surrogate Clarkson, having the wit and sarcasm to carry the job pretty well.
TV presenter Guy Martin, the intrepid racing motorcyclist and lover of all things mechanical, is also expected to join up, according to the Express and, while his northern English dialect might not be the same, it would seem that he would carry James May’s position with some aplomb.
Jodie Kidd, the former model, works Maserati driver and one-time holder of the ‘Star in a ReasonablyPriced Car’ lap record, is also featured in the Express’ list, though rather than being the lead presenter as is suggested by the newspaper, we think she’d be an ideal replacement for Richard Hammond.
Apparently, according to the daily, the now ex-producer and cocreator of the show, Andy Wilman, who also quit after the punching fiasco, was overheard announcing the new lineup while having lunch with Jamiroquai front man Jay Kay. The source for The Express’ information has added that the new show, whose name will not be changed, will be back on air with BBC in about a year’s time.