Sue Perkins is the latest name to be thrown into the hat labelled ‘who should present Top Gear?’ after Jeremy Clarkson was sacked from the show following a ‘fracas’ with one of the producers.
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The ‘Great British Bake Off’ host is reportedly being considered by BBC bosses, who are said to be keen for a female presenter to front the motoring show.
Other female stars rumoured to have been considered for the job include Clare Balding, model Jodie Kidd, Formula 1 presenter Suzi Perry and racing driver Vicki Butler-Henderson, with even Katie Hopkins offering her services.
Sue Perkins
But a flurry of bets has seen Sue become the new favourite to replace Clarkson, according to bookmakers Coral.
They make her evens to take the job, ahead of Dermot O’Leary who is 2-1, with Jodie Kidd third favourite at 5-2.
The firm’s spokeswoman Nicola McGeady said: “This latest gamble suggests that Sue Perkins is being lined up to replace Jeremy Clarkson on Top Gear. When betting first opened on Clarkson’s successor, it was one-way traffic for Jodie Kidd and now today’s flutter has convinced us that a female is in the driving seat”.
‘Top Gear’ producers are said to be looking for a presenter with a completely different style to Clarkson in a bid to take the show in a new direction.
It is still unclear if Clarkson’s co-presenters, James May and Richard Hammond, will play a role in the revamped show.
Last month, the BBC confirmed Clarkson could not keep his ‘Top Gear’ role, with BBC Director-General Tony Hall stating it was with “great regret that the BBC would not be renewing his contract”.
Despite his sacking, Jeremy is set to reunite with James May and Richard Hammond for the ‘Top Gear Live’ shows, though all BBC branding has been removed.