Let the Top, see the Gear.
Bookmakers have suspended betting on Paddy McGuinness becoming the next permanent host of Top Gear, despite presenters James Martin (best price 3/1) and Guy Martin (best price 6/1) being heavily backed.
A lot has changed in the past few years for Top Gear. The show’s reputation and viewership has plummeted, with numbers of around 6.5m viewers in the time of Clarkson and co. falling to nearer 2.5m in the newer format.
BBC bosses had more recently been buoyed by the popularity of former Friends star Matt Le Blanc as the focal point of a trio including motoring journalists Rory Reid and Chris Harris. However, Le Blanc revealed in May that he would not be extending his £1million-a-year contract past the next series. Well known petrol-heads Guy Martin and Jodie Kidd have been linked with the role, but priorities may lie with bringing the fun factor back to the programme.
Take Me Out presenter McGuinness, originally priced at 45/1, has hosted a car show in the past. Stars in Their Cars was aired on the Travel Channel back in 2016, though it’s doubtful his credentials for presenting the prestigious BBC show have been drawn from that.
He poked fun when linked to the job back in 2015 on his Twitter, remarking, ‘Just so you know, I'm now the new host of both the Xfactor & Top Gear. I'm also giving serious consideration to the current 1D vacancy’.
Could the loveable ex-Phoenix Nights actor be the man to revamp Top Gear once more?
Oddschecker spokesperson George Elek: "It's come as a surprise that betting's been suspended on Paddy McGuinness, but it makes sense that the BBC will look for another big personality to replace Matt Le Blanc.
There's plenty of stars linked to this job and some with strong ties to motoring, but McGuinness has to be one to keep an eye on after this news."
