Jodie Kidd and Chris Evans in the driving seat to be Jeremy Clarkson's Top Gear replacement

Bookies have declared the flame-haired petrol-head favourite to take over the driving seat on the hugely popular show --despite Evans having repeatedly ruled himself out.

Bookmakers William Hill and Ladbrokes both tip the BBC presenter to be appointed.

Evans (48) has splashed out millions of pounds on his fleet of luxury cars and famously wooed his ex-wife Billie Piper in 2000 by buying her a Ferrari full of roses - even though she could not drive.

William Hill spokesman Joe Crilly said: "Chris Evans is continuing to deny that he is even interested in the job, let alone that he has even been approached, yet our punters continue to back him as if he has to replace Clarkson."

Chris Evans

Jessica Bridge, of Ladbrokes, said: "Evans might be coy about his chances but punters are convinced he's the man to take the Top Gear helm. Clarkson won't be out of a job for long and the odds suggest he'll be joining the Beeb's biggest rival."

Top Gear is well known for its macho attitude and laddish line-up, but catwalk model Jodie Kidd is second favourite to step in to fill Clarkson's shoes.

Clarkson's old foe, Piers Morgan (49) is also among the names being touted to take over, with William Hill putting him at 12/1.

The two have been involved in a war of words for years, but are understood to have recently put their spat behind them.

If London Mayor Boris Johnson decides to call time on his political ambitions there is a chance he could carve out a new career in front of the camera. William Hill has slashed the odds on him fronting the show to 16/1.

Now Clarkson is gone, bookies are predicting James May and Richard Hammond will follow him out, with William Hill putting the odds at 1/2.

William Hill odds to replace Jeremy Clarkson on Top Gear: 6/4 Chris Evans; 3/1 Jodie Kidd; 6/1 Dermot O'Leary; 6/1 Eddie Irvine; 6/1 Johnny Vaughan; 6/1 Steve Coogan; 8/1 Eddie Jordan.