Top Gear: James Martin Favourite To Replace Chris Evans As New Presenter

Just days after Chris Evans quit Top Gear; James Martin has emerged as the new favourite to present the next series of the BBC motoring show.

Despite the BBC insisting they have “no plans” to replace Evans, the TV chef is now 3/1 outright favourite, after bookies received a flurry of bets overnight.

Copyright [Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock]

“James Martin is a very popular presenter and, coupled with his well known love of cars, Top Gear might just be a great fit,” William Hill spokesman Rupert Adams said.

Moreover, James - who has presented Saturday Kitchen since 2006 - quit the BBC cooking show in April to pursue “new projects.”

Meanwhile, motorcycle racer Guy Martin is second with odds of 6/1 while Formula 1 star Jenson Button, who proved to be a hit during a guest appearance on the show, is in third place at 8/1.

However, a BBC spokesman has revealed that it is unlikely that the current line-up – consisting of Matt LeBlanc, Sabine Schmitz, Rory Reid, Chris Harris and Eddie Jordan – will be changed ahead of the next series of Top Gear.

Copyright [WENN]

“We have no immediate plans to replace Chris Evans and do not expect to do so going forward. Series 2 starts filming in September,” she told The Mirror on Monday (July 4).

Shrouded in controversy, the newly revamped Top Gear series failed to win over viewers and achieved less than two million in the ratings war, resulting in Evans resignation earlier this week.

“Stepping down from Top Gear. Gave it my best shot but sometimes that’s not enough. The team are beyond brilliant, I wish them all the best,” he announced on Twitter.

Who would you like to see present the next series of Top Gear? Let us know in the comments below or tweet us @YahooCelebUK!