As incredible as this may sound, the all-new Top Gear host pushes for a female co-presenter. Speaking to BBC Radio 5, Chris Evans told Nicky Campbell that one of the presenters would be female. Yes, boys and girls, Top Gear Series 23 is going to have a female host. This doesn’t come as a surprise.
If you wind back time to April 1977, the first Top Gear format and episode aired on BBC1 Midlands, being presented by a lady known as Angela Rippon. That Angela who is regarded as being the first female journalist to present the BBC national television news on a permanent basis. The first two seasons of original Top Gear were hosted by her. Fun fact: Jeremy Clarkson didn’t even have his driving license in 1977.
Over its 515-episode run, the original Top Gear automotive show featured a lot of presenters, including women. When Andy Wilman and Clarkson took over Top Gear duties, the possibility of a female co-presenter was nullified. But now Clarkson is out, as are Hammond and May, and Mr. Evans runs the show.
I know what you’re thinking - Ginger Gear!
Jokes aside, when he was asked about a female co-presenter for the new format Top Gear, Chris declared on BBC Radio 5: "I can confirm that definitely, 100 per cent." Though the BBC higher-ups didn’t make a comment, we don’t expect them to have anything against a lady hosting a motoring program.
Any candidates? A few, of course, but it seems like Jodie Kidd is at the top of the shortlist right now.
You know Jodie. 36-year-old fashion model, TV personality, motor racing enthusiast, Gumball 3000 participant, Maserati aficionado, the lot. In 2003, Jodie posted the fastest lap time on the Top Gear track... in a friggin’ Suzuki Liana! Although she was later overtaken by Simon Cowell, that’s quite a feat for a girl who is currently presenting The Classic Car Show.
BBC Sport’s Suzi Perry is second on the shortlist. Who would you hire as the female host of new Top Gear?
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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