After losing the original cast of Top Gear earlier this year, the BBC is reportedly in advanced talks with several would-be presenters for a new version, including a former model.

The broadcaster was left hamstrung in April when James May and Richard Hammond refused to continue on the show following the sacking of Jeremy Clarkson for assaulting a producer in March.

• Jeremy Clarkson’s Australian Top Gear comeback
• Top Gear co-hosts may also quit

According to the UK’s Telegraph, the BBC has approached English actor Philip Glenister, motorcycle racer Guy Martin and model and TV presenter Jodie Kidd to fill the roles.

Actor Phillip Glenister (L) and motorcycle racer Guy Martin (R). Photo: Getty

Kidd, who currently presents The Classic Car Show on Channel 5, would be Top Gear‘s first female host.

The 36-year-old has remained tight-lipped over whether she will take the role, coyly telling reporters in April: “It’s going to be interesting, the next couple of months”.

Glenister, 52, is best known for his roles on British TV shows like Life on Mars, while Martin, 33, is a successful TV host and motorcycle racer.

The decision to sack Clarkson for punching producer Oisin Tymon has proven unpopular for the BBC, with millions of viewers switching off after the broadcaster decided not to broadcast recently filmed episodes.

May, Hammond and Clarkson will continue their Top Gear Live tour later in Australia later in the year, but has been renamed to “Clarkson, Hammond and May” and will be stripped of all BBC branding.