Jodie Kidd has ignited speculation about a potential role on the revived BBC series Top Gear, expressing a strong desire to see the popular motoring program return to television.
Kidd, 47, a model and self-proclaimed racing fanatic, was previously in talks to join Top Gear in 2015 following the departure of hosts Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May. At the time, she declined the opportunity, citing the demanding nature of the high-profile job and the need to focus on her young son. However, she now appears more open to the prospect.
"Top Gear is such an amazing show. It was so loved and so adored, and it's something that we need. It deserves to come back. We're really missing, on terrestrial TV, a good, wonderful car show," Kidd told the Daily Mail. She added, "I'm a good translator. I love cars. Can I change a carburetor? Probably not. But I definitely bring the passion... We'll see. We'll see what happens."
The former Vogue cover star acknowledged the show's recent challenges, including the departure of its original presenters and the accident involving Freddie Flintoff. "It's just been a complicated one in the past, with the boys leaving and the terrible thing that happened with Freddie," she said. "So it's complicated, but really needed. I miss it terribly and I love the show."
Clarkson, Hammond, and May left Top Gear in 2015 after the BBC did not renew Clarkson's contract. The trio went on to launch The Grand Tour on Amazon Prime in 2016. Top Gear has since seen various hosts, including Chris Evans, Matt LeBlanc, Andrew 'Freddie' Flintoff, Paddy McGuinness, and Chris Harris.
The program has been off the air since December 2022, following a serious accident involving Flintoff during filming. Despite these past complexities, the BBC confirmed last month that Top Gear is set to return.
Kidd has a long-standing connection to the automotive world. She appeared on Top Gear as a "Star in a Reasonably Priced Car" in 2003, impressing Jeremy Clarkson with her lap time. She later obtained an international racing license and has competed in motorsport events, including races for Maserati. Kidd has also hosted motoring programs, such as Channel 5's The Classic Car Show, and currently features cars in her YouTube series, Kidd in a Sweet Shop.
Her experience in racing has also informed her approach to managing anxiety. Kidd, who has spoken about experiencing panic attacks during her early modeling career, stated that learning to race cars has helped her transform anxiety and adrenaline into positive energy. "That's something I've learned to deal with," she commented.