Huge Brit comedian in talks to host Top Gear reboot four years after show shelved due to Freddie Flintoff’s horror crash
BBC Studios bosses are close to signing the 53-year-old petrolhead to be the first star of a new line-up.
4Jimmy was a guest on Top Gear in 2004 — and at the time recorded the fastest lap on the celebrity leaderboard
It has already started work on the show, which could be aired next year — half a century after it launched in 1977.
A source said: “Production have their sights set on Jimmy, he’s the ideal host to take the show into a new era and revive Top Gear. He’s keen to work on something mainstream after spending so many years fronting comedy panel shows.
“He’s a real car buff, too, so it would be a passion project.
“Casting directors are now working to find talent to join him in the new-look ensemble.
“Bosses are considering a woman and online celebrities to complement Jimmy.”
The line-up would replace Paddy McGuinness, Chris Harris and ex-England cricketer Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff — who suffered life-changing injuries in the 2022 crash.
Jimmy was a guest on Top Gear in 2004 — and at the time recorded the fastest lap on the celebrity leaderboard.
He previously said: “It’s one of the biggest shows in the world. It’s a global phenomenon.”
His car collection has included a custom-built Electrogenic Aston Martin DB6, and a Bentley Continental GT.
Jimmy has said: “I love classic cars, but go electric. That’s the way forward.”
Jeremy Clarkson’s telly break came when he joined Top Gear as a co-host in 1988.
He later oversaw its golden era from 2002 to 2015, with co-presenters Richard Hammond and James May.
At its peak on BBC2, Top Gear had 7.5 million viewers and spawned multiple books, DVDs and a tour.
BBC Studios said: “We have no update on the TV show and don’t comment on speculation.”
