The bookies were swift to shorten their odds this week on James Norton becoming the next James Bond, now they have another TV star in their sights. What DO they know?
James Martin has shot to the top of their favourites to replace Chris Evans on ‘Top Gear’ for the second series - this despite the BBC affirming that they aren’t looking to recruit another star name.
The former ‘Saturday Kitchen’ presenter is now 3/1 favourite for a role, according to the Sun, leaving motorcycle racer Guy Martin and former F1 driver Jenson Button trailing in his wake, with odds of 6/1 and 8/1 respectively.
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James Martin presented 'Saturday Kitchen' for ten years before quitting in March
BBC
James quit ‘Saturday Kitchen’ in March this year, explaining that he could no longer cope with the early starts. For 10 years, he was getting up at 3am on Saturday mornings to present the show live. He also revealed that he’d just taken his first holiday in seven years, and found himself on a Saturday morning walking around Disneyworld, thinking “this is surreal”.
Since then, he’s appeared on TV regularly, including a guest presenting role on ITV’s ‘This Morning’.
Chris Evans quit ‘Top Gear’ this week following dismal ratings and scathing reviews. In a gracious sign-off on Twitter, he explained he’d given it his “best shot, but sometimes best isn’t enough”. He dedicated his radio 2 show the following day to the rest of the ‘Top Gear’ team. Although there is talk of Matt LeBlanc being promoted to the central presenting role, the BBC have said the present lineup will stay the same for Series 2.
Or... tap the first picture below to open the slideshow...
'Top Gear': Possible Replacements For Chris Evans
Nigel Farage(01 of15)
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A pint-loving smoker who has his head stuck in the 1940s previously proved to be a success on the show, so why not employ someone exactly the same person?
Nigel Farage has virtually the same political views as Clarkson, so he'd probably be a good fit. Plus he's in technically unemployed now that he's resigned as UKIP leader. (credit:Isabel Infantes/EMPICS Entertainment)
Guy Martin(02 of15)
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The motorcycle racer has already emerged as the bookies' favourite to succeed Chris, with odds of 8/1 with William Hill. (credit:Channel 4)
Katie Hopkins(03 of15)
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If you're looking for someone who doesn't mind being purposefully offensive, look no further than Katie Hopkins. The controversy magnet hits the headlines more often than all the 'Top Gear' stars put together, normally because she's offended someone/a large group of people. (credit:Matt Crossick/Matt Crossick)
Piers Morgan(04 of15)
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If you've ever seen one of Piers' epic Twitter spats with Clarkson, you'll know he's remarkably similar in many ways. The same fashion sense, a similarly smug face, and all the rest of it. (credit:Matt Crossick/Matt Crossick)
Suzi Perry(05 of15)
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She's a massive car nut and has already cut her chops hosting the BBC's Formula One coverage, plus it's about time we evened up the gender ratio on the show. (credit:Doug Peters/Doug Peters)
Kanye West(06 of15)
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Potentially the only ego bigger than Chris Evans'. Or Clarkson's. (credit:Jonathan Brady/PA Wire)
Angela Rippon(07 of15)
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She did so well presenting it in 1977, why not bring her back? (credit:Doug Peters/Doug Peters)
Steve Coogan(08 of15)
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The veteran radio host's alter ego Steve Coogan is quite the petrol-head, having appeared on the show several times. But wouldn't it be great for the man from Norwich to take you around the 'Top Gear' track whining about "POWERRRR" is his trademark nasal voice? (credit:Doug Peters/Doug Peters)
Matthew Perry(09 of15)
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Because you doesn't want to see an on-screen reunion of Friends' Chandler and Joey, right? (credit:Ian West/PA Wire)
James Martin(10 of15)
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The telly chef, who is a big car fan, admitted he had talks about joining the BBC car show last year, but was tied to his commitments with 'Saturday Kitchen'. However, he's now quit his role as host of the cookery show, which could pave the way nicely for him to finally land the job. (credit:Hannah McKay/PA Wire)
Philip Glenister(11 of15)
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The 'Life On Mars' star was strongly rumoured to be joining Chris Evans last year, but the rumours proved to be unfounded. This could be his chance. (credit:Joel Ryan/AP)
David Hasselhoff(12 of15)
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The Hoff admitted he'd "love" the gig when it was up for grabs last time around, and he does have all that experience driving KITT in 'Knight Rider'. (credit:David Davies/PA Archive)
Jake Humphrey(13 of15)
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Jake has already fronted F1 coverage for the BBC and is a regular on the sport presenting scene, so is more than qualified for the job. (credit:Richard Sellers/EMPICS Sport)
John Inverdale(14 of15)
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Who better to take over from Clarkson's controversy-laden style than the man who brought us "rose-c***ed spectacles"? (credit:Mike Egerton/PA Archive)
Boris Johnson(15 of15)
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Well, he could do with a job. (credit:Matt Dunham/AP)