Celebrity chef James Martin may join Top Gear as new host

James Martin could replace Chris Evans as co-host of the show.

Chef James Martin might join Top Gear as the new host following the departure of Chris Evans.

Chris Evans, right, has left the show, leaving the BBC scrambling to find a new partner for US actor and Matt LeBlanc. (AP FILE)

The 44-year-old TV presenter said he is now one of the bookies’ favourites, but has not got an official call from the creators yet, reported Contactmusic.

“Apparently I’m the bookies’ favourite. I walked past a bookies in Leeds and saw my name on there, and I thought: ‘What the hell’s going on there?’ I was top of the list. But the phone hasn’t rung yet,” he said.

Martin previously presented a cookery show Saturday Kitchen on BBC One and is currently hosting This Morning.

While talking about his fondness for cars, Martin said, “I enjoy my cars and I like collecting them, but Top Gear is a really tough show -- it’s a different ball game.”