Former England rugby star linked with Top Gear hosting role

Thursday, 27 August 2026 at 17:21

bySteven Smith

Former England prop Joe Marler is reportedly in contention for one of British television’s biggest presenting jobs after the BBC confirmed Top Gear is returning.

The hugely popular motoring show has been off air since 2022 following Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff’s serious crash while filming at Dunsfold Aerodrome.

, reaching the final and further establishing himself with an audience well beyond rugby.

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However, BBC Director of Entertainment Ed Havard has now officially confirmed plans to bring the programme back.

Speaking at the Edinburgh TV Festival, Havard said: “There has been a lot of speculation about this and we can confirm that Top Gear is coming back.

“I’m not going to talk about talent today.”

And one of the names reportedly under consideration is former England and Harlequins prop Joe Marler.

Marler linked with Top Gear

The Times has reported that Marler is among the contenders being considered by BBC bosses, alongside comedian Jimmy Carr.

One source told the newspaper: “Bosses are looking at Joe and Jimmy.”

They added that the chemistry between the presenters would be crucial, saying of Marler: “Joe gets on with everybody.”

Marler has built a growing television career since stepping away from professional rugby.

The former England international emerged as one of the breakout personalities on The Celebrity Traitors

He has also continued to work across podcasts and television, making him an intriguing candidate as the BBC considers how to relaunch one of its most famous programmes.

HAVE YOUR SAY:

Marler has become a popular television personality since stepping away from rugby – but would he be the right man to help relaunch Top Gear?

BBC keeping presenters under wraps

Carr has been heavily linked with the programme, although the BBC is refusing to confirm any names at this stage.

Asked specifically whether Carr would host the new series, Havard said: “Jimmy would be a great host but I won’t be discussing that today.

“We will have more information on Top Gear shortly.”

BBC Studios will produce the returning series, but a presenter line-up and broadcast date have yet to be officially announced.

Why did Top Gear stop?

Top Gear was taken off air after Flintoff suffered serious facial and rib injuries in a crash while filming in December 2022.

The former England cricket captain was driving a roofless Morgan Super 3 when it overturned and skidded along the track.

Production on series 34 was suspended before the BBC announced in November 2023 that it had decided to “rest” the UK television show for the “foreseeable future”.

The programme has undergone several major transformations during its history.

Originally launched in 1977, it became a global phenomenon under Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May during the 2000s and early 2010s.

After their departure, Chris Evans and Matt LeBlanc were among those brought in before the most recent presenting trio of Flintoff, Paddy McGuinness and Chris Harris took over.

Now another major Top Gear reboot is on the way – and Marler could potentially make the unlikely jump from the England front row to one of the BBC’s most recognisable presenting jobs.

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