The next Top Gear presenter could well be a woman, no kidd-ing

By rights the leading contenders to replace axed Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson should all have to complete a lap of ‘the circuit’, with the fastest time deciding who gets the gig.

No matter how topical, this particular vetting process feels unlikely to get the go-ahead from the BBC, nor, most probably, will starting the names in the mix off in different vehicles at the same location before giving them X amount of hours to arrive at destination A.

Therefore, it’s down to us as humble punters to jump into the minds of the show’s producers and try to hazard a good old fashioned guess as to who replaces the controversial figure of Clarkson.

Given Top Gear’s viewing demographic is predominantly male it will come as a bit of a shock to many that it’s a woman occupying the driving seat early in the betting.

Jodie Kidd is a 6/4 shot and given the Beeb will be looking to change direction from the perceived macho arrogance of Clarkson, the former model could be a gem of a bet.

A recognised car lover, the TV personality is also a friend of the show having appeared on Top Gear as a guest twice over the years, as well as taking part in a spin-off special alongside Clarkson in 2008.

Although Kidd fervently denied she was being lined up for the role on a recent addition of Saturday kitchen, some onlookers took the awkward riposte as a sign she was hiding something.

Following the 36-year-old in the betting at 3/1, Chris Evans and Dermot O’Leary sit side by side and of the two it’s the latter who holds more appeal in the market following the former’s recent comments.

Writing in the Mail On Sunday Evans said: “I love Top Gear. But I never want to watch me on it. Of course, I’m flattered that others seem to think my involvement would be a good idea. But they’re hugely misguided.

“I also happen to think I actually wouldn’t be very good at it.”

Meanwhile, the timing of O’Leary quitting the X Factor after eight years as presenter has clearly got tongues wagging that he could be heading to the Top Gear studio.

From a pure ‘petrol head’s’ perspective Guy Martin gets the biggest nod of appreciation as a well-known motor bike racer and emerging TV personality.

The charismatic 6/1 shot responded to rumours he was among the favourites for the job by joking “he couldn’t get time off work”.

“I don’t want to try and be the man who replaced Jeremy Clarkson, but never say never.” he said.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

Fancy a flutter? Sign up today to claim up to £25 in free bets.