Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Top Gear to follow Have I Got News For You format with 'different host for each episode'

Richard Hammond and James May have reportedly been offered £1m to continue hosting the popular BBC series

Daisy Wyatt
Monday 01 June 2015 12:54 BST
Comments
Richard Hammond, Jeremy Clarkson and James May on stage
Richard Hammond, Jeremy Clarkson and James May on stage (PA)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Top Gear could return in a similar format to Have I Got News For You with a different host each week, according to a BBC insider.

James May and Richard Hammond, who said they would leave the show following Jeremy Clarkson’s departure, have reportedly been offered £1m each to front Top Gear for another series.

A top BBC source told The Independent: “The masterplan is to reconfigure the show along the lines of the post-Angus Deayton Have I Got News for You?, with a different guest hosting each episode.

“Despite their pronouncements of loyalty to Clarkson, Hammond and May have taken the trouble not to resign in protest at his sacking…[and] have each been offered £1m a year to keep the Top Gear flame of inspired puerility alive.”

The BBC declined to renew Clarkson’s contract in March after the presenter punched a Top Gear producer on set following a row about the lack of hot food on offer.

Clarkson has not ruled out the possibility of returning to the BBC. In his first interview with the broadcaster since the incident, he told Chris Evans’ BBC2 breakfast show: “James and Richard can go back to the BBC, that door is still open for them…Well so can I, you know, I’m not sacked remember.”

The Top Gear trio hinted at a return to TV at their rebranded Top Gear Live show, named Clarkson, Hammond and May Live after Clarkson’s departure.

“We’ve had a lot of interest in our TV show from all around the world. Who knows what will happen,” they said.

BBC2 controller Kim Shillinglaw has not ruled out the possibility of a female presenter fronting the show.

Apple TV+ logo

Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days

New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled

Try for free
Apple TV+ logo

Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days

New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled

Try for free

“We’ll definitely look at some women, but it’s not a driving priority,” she said.

Former Top Gear presenter Angela Rippon said she would like to return to host the show 38 years after she first fronted the programme.

The former newsreader said it would be “great” if the BBC invited her back to host the show when it returns to TV next year.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in