Supermodel Jodie Kidd has suggested she may join the BBC's upcoming iteration of Top Gear. Following the broadcaster's announcement that the motoring series is returning, Kidd noted that such programming is essential for television.
The 2015 Clarkson exit and the Flintoff crash at Dunsfold
The revival of Top Gear comes after a period of significant instability for the long-running motoring franchise. As the report notes, the show's most famous era was disrupted in 2015 when Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond,and James May departed following a physical and verbal altercation between Clarkson and producer Oisin Tymon. This trio eventually transitioned to Amazon Prime to launch The Grand Tour.
The BBC's subsequent attempts to relaunch the brand faced further setbacks in December 2022. During filming at the Dunsfold Aerodrome test track in Surrey, presenter Andrew Freddie Flintoff was seriously injured when his open-topped Morgan Super three overturned. The acccident resulted in facial and rib injuries, leading to a near four-year hiatus for the program.
From Imola racing to 'Kidd in a Sweet Shop'
Jodie Kidd brings a unique blend of high-fashion pedigree and genuine automotive expertise to the potential presenting role. Unlike many celebrity hosts, Kidd has a documented history in motorsport, having obtained her international racing license in Imola in 2004. She has previously competed for Maserati and hosted Channel 5's The Classic Car Show.
Kidd's connection to the brand dates back to 2003, when she appeared as the "Star in a Reasonably Priced Car." While she famously declined a role in 2015 to focus on her son, Indio, she now maintains a presence in the motoring world through her YouTube series, Kidd in a Sweet Shop. According to the Daily Mail, she views her racing experience as a tool for managing the anxiety she experienced during her career as a Vogue cover star.
The search for a lineup including Jimmy Carr and Joe Marler
The BBC is reportedly looking to assemble a diverse new team to fill the void left by previous hosts like Matt LeBlanc and Paddy McGuinness. While Kidd has fueled speculation with her recent comments, other names have been linked to the upcoming series. These include comedian Jimmy Carr and former England rugby star Joe Marler.
Kidd has emphasized that there is a "ginormous appetite" for automotive content, suggesting that the new lineup must satisfy a dedicated audience of petrolheads. Her comments arrive at a time when terrestrial television is looking for ways to recapture the massive viewership numbers once enjoyed by the original presenting trio.
The unconfirmed identities behind the BBC's new lineup
Despite the growing list of rumored candidates, the BBC has not yet finalized or officially announced its new presenting roster. It remains unclear if the network will prioritize established motoring journalists or lean further into high-profile personalities like Kidd or Carr. Furthermore, the source does not specify if the show will return to its traditional format or adopt a new structure to distance itself from the controversies of the past.
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