BBC Confirms Plans To Reboot ‘Top Gear’ Amid Speculation Jimmy Carr Will Host

The BBC is revving the engines of Top Gear again.

After a four-year absence from British television following a horror crash involving former host Andrew Flintoff, the BBC said that work is underway on a new season.

Speaking at the Edinburgh TV Festival on Thursday, Ed Havard, the BBC’s director of entertainment, said: “Top Gear is coming back.”

Havard declined to comment on reports that Jimmy Carr is being lined up as the motoring show’s new host, but Deadline hears talks are underway with the comedian.

Joe Marler, a former rugby player whose TV star is rising after his appearance on The Celebrity Traitors last year, is also being eyed by the BBC. No deals are yet in place.

Top Gear has not been on air since 2022, but a return was always likely, given the BBC Studios franchise is too big to leave in the garage.

The show became a global phenomenon in the hands of Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, James May and producer Andy Wilman.

It enjoyed a second life when Chris Harris, Paddy McGuinness and Andrew Flintoff took over hosting duties from Matt LeBlanc and Chris Evans.

But then disaster struck in 2022, when Flintoff was badly injured in a crash at the Dunsfold Park Aerodrome in Surrey, England.

He was driving a three-wheeled Morgan Super 3 car when it overturned, dragging Flintoff face down underneath for about 50 metres and leaving him with a facial disfigurement, rib injuries and trauma. The BBC apologized to Flintoff.

Paul Rees, a driving consultant who was involved in the Top Gear crash, is also suing BBC Studios for £150,000 ($200,000) over the accident.