A brand-new version of Top Gear is in the works, ladies and gentlemen, and Radio 2 Breakfast Show host and massive petrolhead Chris Evans has been confirmed as its lead host. Evans is indeed the right man for the job, but is replacing Clarkson the right call for Evans?

Jeremy is yet to comment on this but he definitely knew about the whole thing since he’s been at BBC this past couple of days doing voiceovers for the remaining episodes of the Series 22, and he’s also been riding with Chris Evans for his other TV show. And he is most likely fine with it, as are James May and Richard Hammond. The former has called Evans’ accepting the job “a ballsy move,” on Twitter.

As for the co-hosts, nothing is known at the moment but Jodie Kidd stands a good chance of winning the gig. BBC wanted a woman on Top Gear for years and Kidd fits the bill perfectly, especially as she’s just finished her first season as the host The Classic Car Show.

Meanwhile Clarkson, Hammond and May are busy with their Live Tour and they may or may not move to another network and make a rival car show. Time will tell.

Chris Evans says: “I’m thrilled, Top Gear is my favourite programme of all time. Created by a host of brilliant minds who love cars and understand how to make the massively complicated come across as fun, devil-may-care and effortless. When in fact of course, it’s anything but and that’s the genius of Top Gear’s global success. I promise I will do everything I possibly can to respect what has gone on before and take the show forward.”