Jodie Kidd turns down Top Gear presenting role alongside Chris Evans but suggests Zoe Ball could still join BBC show

The motoring enthusiast admitted she had been involved in talks to become part of the revamped show

Jodie Kidd currently presents The Classic Car Show on Channel 5 (Getty Images)

Jodie Kidd has said she will not be joining the new Top Gear line-up alongside Chris Evans, after reports that she was a strong contender for the role.

The former model and motoring enthusiast admitted she had been involved in talks to become part of the revamped show, following the departure of hosts Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May.

She was seen having lunch with Zoe Ball and Evans two weeks ago, sparking a frenzy of speculation that one or both of the women could join as co-hosts.

But Kidd has since told The Telegraph that presenting the show would be "all-consuming" and "take over her soul".

"Top Gear is the most brilliant show on this planet but it would just take over your soul. That would be it," she said, adding that she has got to “an amazing place where everything is finally balanced”.

However, Kidd did not rule out the possibility that Ball, a former Radio 1 DJ and stand-in host for Strictly Come Dancing, could become part of the line-up.

Scottish racing driver Susie Wolff was also suggested as a possibility, but she said Natalie Pinkham and Suzi Perry were both unlikely.