Top Gear is set to return to the BBC after four years off-air, according to reports.
The BBC is believed to have launched a search to replace the former presenting hosts of Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff, Paddy McGuinness and Chris Harris.
Former cricketer Flintoff sustained a life-changing crash in December 2022 which resulted in the broadcaster shelving the programme.
But now insiders have told The Sun that BBC Studios has already started work on a reboot, which could be aired as early as next year.
An insider said: “BBC bosses are keen to revive Top Gear because they have never filled the space it left behind and so many viewers hanker after a motoring show.
“And it’s not just in Britain that the programme is much loved, it is a brand in its own right and watched by millions around the globe.
“Which is why it wasn’t just important to satisfy the needs of petrolheads, but also, specifically, fans of Top Gear. They’ll be thrilled to hear it is returning.”
The search is currently underway for new presenters, but it remains unclear what type of personalities the BBC is looking for.
BBC is set to be looking for the next slate of presenters to follow in the footsteps of Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May
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A spokesman for BBC Studios said: “The Top Gear brand continues to thrive across digital, publishing, and global formats.
“As a commercial producer, we’re always exploring new ways to develop the brand and reach audiences by leveraging such iconic IP.”
The decision follows Prime Video’s reboot of the The Grand Tour, with new hosts celebrity trainspotter Francis Bourgeois, James Engelsman and Thomas Holland, the latter two are hosts of YouTube channel Throttle House.
A new Top Gear reboot would mark a third reinvention of the show since it premiered in 1977.
Jeremy Clarkson had his big break on British screens in Top Gear’s original iteration
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Jeremy Clarkson received his big break on the programme as a co-host in 1988.
Top Gear’s most successful period came as he rebooted the show with co-hosts Richard Hamond and James May between 2002 and 2015.
After Mr Clarkson infamously punched a producer, the three left the show.
It was then hosted in 2016 by DJ Chris Evans alongside a large cast of co-hosts, including Friends star Matt LeBlanc and automotive expert Chris Harris.
It would be the first iteration of Top Gear since it was suspended in November 2023
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This iteration of the show also featured an open casting call, which led to the casting of Rory Reid out of 15,000 applicants.
In 2019, Mr Flintoff and Mr McGuinness joined Mr Harris to host the show, but the show was halted after the former England cricket captain crashed at Dunsfold Park Aerodrome, reportedly receiving £9million in compensation for his injuries.
Mr Flintoff has previously discussed the mental impact of the injury.
He said: “I didn’t leave the house for probably six or eight months. The only times I was leaving the house was for medical appointments and surgeries.”
The show was then suspended before the BBC announced in November 2023 that it would not be returning “for the foreseeable future”.