James Martin is planning to have a £100 bet on himself becoming the next ‘Top Gear’ host.
The 46-year-old TV presenter is a self-confessed car fanatic so would love to be in the driving seat of the motoring show after Matt LeBlanc quit, and he is so confident he could be approached, the celebrity chef is tempted to put his money where his mouth is.
He said: "I went past Paddy Power the other day and I’m 6/1. I’ve got to put a bet on myself, to be honest.
"In fact, I may have even put £100 on myself.
"But I’ve got no idea about whether I’ll get it. ‘Top Gear’ is an iconic show and I’m a car fanatic. I’ve got several more strings to my bow than I had two years ago when it was last talked about."
The former ‘Saturday Kitchen’ host looks even more likely to take on the role now if Paddy’s odds are anything to go by, because James has shortened up to 2/1 favourite to replace Matt.
However, there are three potential presenters, Rebecca Jackson, Jodie Kidd and James’ namesake Guy Martin, in pole position to overtake him in the betting.
The triple threat are all 6/1 shots, followed by Suzi Perry at 7/1, and Paddy goes 10/1 that former ‘Top Gear’ host Jeremy Clarkson – who was axed from the show after an altercation with a producer – makes a shock return to the programme.
If James does land the role then it won’t be as a result of sending his CV into BBC bosses, because he likes to sit back and let the offers fly in these days.
Speaking to The Mail On Sunday’s Event magazine, he added: "I’ve got a bit more time. I sail. I’ve upgraded my pilot’s licence. I enjoy life more than I ever have before.
"Who knows what’s gonna come out of it? If it happens, it happens. I’m 46 years old. I don’t need to send out CVs and go chasing stuff anymore. I’m more than happy doing what I do."
James Martin in pole punting position for Top Gear job
