BBC 4/1 to put brake the brakes on Top Gear

James May’s departure from Top Gear has prompted leading bookmaker Coral to slash the odds on the BBC axing the show. It’s now 4-1 from 10-1 that Top Gear doesn’t return to our screens, while it’s 1-7 that the show goes on.

Coral go 12-1 that Richard Hammond replaces Jeremy Clarkson as the lead host, but Dermot O’Leary remains in the driving seat at 6-4, ahead of Philip Glenister and Jodie Kidd at 3-1 and 5-1 respectively.

“The betting interest on Top Gear’s future has been huge and the departure of James May has sparked a flood of bets on the BBC putting the brakes on the show,” said Coral’s Nicola McGeady.

“Richard Hammond still hasn’t walked out on the BBC, but we think Dermot O’Leary is set to land the job,” added McGeady.

ENDS

**Top Gear Specials

4-1 BBC to axe Top Gear, 1-7 BBC not to axe Top Gear

**Next main presenter of Top Gear

6-4 Dermot O’Leary, 3-1 Philip Glenister, 5-1 Jodie Kidd, 13-2 Guy Martin, 8-1 Chris Evans, 8-1 Sue Perkins, 12-1 Richard Hammond, 14-1 Steve Coogan, 14-1 Jake Humphrey, 16-1 Eddie Jordan, 16-1 Dom Joly,