'Top Gear': Jodie Kidd Turns Down Presenting Role Alongside Chris Evans On BBC Two Motoring Show

Jodie Kidd Makes A Big 'Top Gear' Announcement

She’d been hotly tipped to join Chris Evans on the revamped ‘Top Gear’, but Jodie Kidd has confirmed she won’t be presenting the BBC Two motoring show when it returns later this year.

The former model has turned down a spot on the programme as she believes it would be "all-consuming" and "take over her soul".

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Jodie Kidd

Speaking to The Telegraph about ‘Top Gear’, she explains: "I love doing all the different things I am doing in my life at the moment.

"’Top Gear’ is the most brilliant show on this planet but it would just take over your soul. That would be it."

Jodie added that she made the decision "very recently", but was "greatly honoured" to be asked to join the show.

Formula One driver Jenson Button is strongly rumoured to be joining the show, and according to the Daily Mail, ‘an announcement is imminent’.

The BBC have been on the hunt for a new presenting team ever since Clarkson was sacked earlier this year, following his infamous ‘fracas’ with one of the show’s producers.

With their mate ousted, Richard Hammond and James May also decided to throw in the towel, paving the way for Chris Evans to be confirmed as the lead host for the reboot of the show.

The car enthusiast has signed a three-year deal to head up the BBC Two show, which he has called his "favourite programme of all time".

He is rumoured to have signed on the dotted line for £1 million a year and will also act as executive producer.

Possible 'Top Gear' Presenters
Guy Martin (01 of14)
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Guy Martin is another star whose name has been mentioned often in relation to the presenting roles.
Jodie Kidd (02 of14)
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Jodie was spotted enjoying lunch with Jeremy Clarkson in the wake of his sacking - does she already have his blessing? (credit:Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)
Nick Knowles(03 of14)
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Just days ago, Nick revealed that he has been in talks with BBC bosses. (credit:Mark Cuthbert via Getty Images)
Suzi Perry(04 of14)
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Suzi's name has also come up often, during talk of a shortlist. (credit:Dave J Hogan via Getty Images)
Philip Glenister (05 of14)
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The actor's name has popped up often, and in May it was reported that he was in "advanced talks" with the BBC. (credit:Jon furniss/Invision/AP)
Will Mellor(06 of14)
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In April, sources revealed that bosses were considering Will, in the hope that he'd bring "a younger audience" to the show. (credit:David M. Benett via Getty Images)
David Hasselhoff (07 of14)
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The Hoff threw his hat into the ring last month, answering with a simple, "Why not?", when asked whether he'd be up for presenting the motoring show. (credit:KGC-143/STAR MAX/IPx)
Stephen Fry(08 of14)
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Bookies William Hill are offering odds of 10/1 on TV star Stephen nabbing the role. (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
James Blunt(09 of14)
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James Blunt's also made the bookies' shortlist with odds of 12/1. (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Dermot O'Leary(10 of14)
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Dermot's left the 'X Factor' behind, and he's already on the Beeb's books thanks to his Radio 2 show. (credit:Stuart C. Wilson via Getty Images)
Jake Humphrey(11 of14)
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BT vision presenter Jake Humphrey is 8/1 to be a co-host. (credit:Karwai Tang via Getty Images)
Jamiroquai (12 of14)
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Jamiroquai loves his cars - could he make the move to television? (credit:Sowetan via Getty Images)
Adrian Chiles (13 of14)
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Well... he's not doing much at the moment is he? (credit:Tristan Fewings via Getty Images)
Nigel Mansell(14 of14)
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We reckon former Formula One World Champion Nigel Mansell would be a perfect choice. (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)