Zayn Malik Quits One Direction And Jeremy Clarkson Sacked From 'Top Gear' On The Same Day... Just A Coincidence, Right?

Are We About To Witness The Biggest Showbiz Job Swap Ever?
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Well, it’s been quite an afternoon in the world of Celebville, hasn’t it? No sooner was it confirmed that Jeremy Clarksonwould not be returning to ‘Top Gear’, than Zayn Malik caused a second wave of hysteria by announcing that he was quitting One Direction.

After five years with the boyband, Zayn revealed on Wednesday afternoon that he was stepping down from the group, so he could try and live the life of a “normal 22-year-old”, while the band has confirmed it intends to carry on as a four-piece, without Zayn.

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Jeremy Clarkson and Zayn Malik

It hasn’t escaped our attention that both announcements were made on the same afternoon, and there's now a vacancy on both 'Top Gear' and in One Direction which has got us thinking about whether some class of showbiz job-swap is about to go on right under our noses - and we clearly aren’t the only ones thinking that way...

However, in true Piers Morgan fashion, he couldn’t even let his long-standing rival have his moment, and has now suggested that 1D will be asking for him before long.

Last week, Zayn dropped out of the Asian leg of the group’s ‘On The Road Again’ world tour, after being signed off with “stress”.

Liam Payne came under fire from the group’s loyal fanbase when he made light of his bandmate’s absence in a photo on Twitter, where he was seen posing with his hand obscuring Zayn’s face.

If Zayn decides that hosting 'Top Gear' doesn't constitute the life of a "normal 22-year-old", here are some other suggestions for who could replace Clarkson...

Who Could Replace Jeremy Clarkson On 'Top Gear'?
Katie Hopkins(01 of11)
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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.
Nigel Farage(02 of11)
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You've suspended a pint-loving smoker who has his head stuck in the 1940s? 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.
Vladimir Putin(03 of11)
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If you want someone with outdated ideas about their country's military might and an odd desire to look as masculine as possible, the Russian leader would be a good one to go for. Although he probably won't be free any time soon, he's probably going to be running the Kremlin until he dies.
Piers Morgan(04 of11)
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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 punchable face, and all the rest of it.
Angela Rippon(05 of11)
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She did so well presenting it in 1977, why not bring her back?
John Inverdale(06 of11)
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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"?
Dapper Laughs(07 of11)
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Here's someone as offensive and widely hated as Clarkson, who'll undoubtedly make the same kind of unpleasant jokes just because he thinks they're funny. If maximum offensiveness is what you're going for, snap up the world's least funny comedian ASAP.
Chris Evans(08 of11)
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Chris Evans has been rumoured to be one of the next in line to host the car show, so it might be the right move.
Alan Partridge(09 of11)
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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?
Kanye West(10 of11)
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Potentially the only ego bigger than Clarkson's.
Mr Blobby(11 of11)
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He'd certainly be more coherent than Clarkson at times. He's probably also a bit skinnier and a better driver.