Huge Brit comedian in talks to host Top Gear reboot four years after show shelved due to Freddie Flintoff’s horror crash

COMEDIAN Jimmy Carr is in talks to host a Top Gear reboot — four years after it was shelved due to Freddie Flintoff’s horror crash. BBC Studios bosses are close to signing the 53-year-old ­petrolhead to be the first star of a new line-up. Jimmy Carr is in talks to host a Top Gear reboot — four years after it was shelved due to Freddie Flintoff’s horror crash Credit: Unknown Jimmy was a guest on Top Gear in 2004 — and at the time recorded the fastest lap on the celebrity leaderboard Credit: Getty It has already started work on the show, which could be aired next year — half a century after it launched in 1977. A source said: “Production have their sights set on Jimmy, he’s the ideal host to take the show into a new era and revive Top Gear. He’s keen to work on something mainstream after spending so many years fronting comedy panel shows. Sign up for the TV newsletter Thank you! “He’s a real car buff, too, so it would be a passion project. “Casting directors are now working to find talent to join him in the new-look ensemble. “Bosses are considering a woman and online celebrities to complement Jimmy.” The line-up would replace Paddy McGuinness, Chris Harris and ex-England cricketer Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff — who suffered life-changing injuries in the 2022 crash. Chris Harris, Paddy McGuinness and Freddie Flintoff hosting the BBC fave Credit: BBC Jeremy Clarkson with co-presenters Richard Hammond and James May during the show’s golden era Credit: Getty Jimmy was a guest on Top Gear in 2004 — and at the time recorded the fastest lap on the celebrity leaderboard. He previously said: “It’s one of the biggest shows in the world. It’s a global phenomenon.” Most read in TV His car collection has included a custom-built Electrogenic Aston Martin DB6, and a Bentley Continental GT. Jimmy has said: “I love classic cars, but go electric. That’s the way forward.” Jeremy Clarkson’s telly break came when he joined Top Gear as a co-host in 1988. He later oversaw its golden era from 2002 to 2015, with co-presenters Richard Hammond and James May. At its peak on BBC2, Top Gear had 7.5 million viewers and spawned multiple books, DVDs and a tour. BBC Studios said: “We have no update on the TV show and don’t comment on speculation.” Comment now