James Martin’s mother has put a £10 bet on him to present Top Gear.
The 46-year-old chef – who is a self-confessed petrol head – is yet to “receive a call” from bosses of the motoring show after Matt LeBlanc announced he was stepping down as its host, but his mum Sue is convinced he’ll bag the role.
Speaking on Good Morning Britain on Wednesday, James said when asked if he’s set to present the new series: “No, contrary to what my mother has done. My mother walked past a betting shop the other day and put £10 bet on me at 6/1.
“I probably owe my mum £10, the phone hasn’t rung so I don’t know.”
However, the television heartthrob doesn’t know if he’ll even accept the gig if he was offered it because he doesn’t want to burn his bridges with his good friend Chris Evans, who hit the headlines in 2016 when he quit the programme less than a year into his three-year contract because he couldn’t handle the pressure.
James explained: “I do like my cars but I’m also good mates with Chris Evans and it’s a tough show. You never know, you never know.”
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If James does land the role then it won’t be as a result of sending his CV into BBC bosses, because he likes to sit back and let the offers fly in these days.
He said recently: “I’ve got a bit more time. I sail. I’ve upgraded my pilot’s licence. I enjoy life more than I ever have before. Who knows what’s gonna come out of it? If it happens, it happens.
“I’m 46 years old. I don’t need to send out CVs and go chasing stuff anymore. I’m more than happy doing what I do.”
Former Friends star Matt announced he is leaving the BBC motoring show at the end of the next series in order to spend more time with his family.
The 50-year-old star said recently to Mail on Sunday: “The time commitment and extensive travel required to present Top Gear takes me away from my family and friends more than I’m comfortable with.
“It’s unfortunate, but for these reasons I will not be continuing my involvement with the show. I will forever be a Top Gear fan and I wish the team continued success.”
Meanwhile, in other James news, he recently spoke out about why he isn’t planning to marry his long-time girlfriend, Louise Davies.
They’ve been together for seven years but James told Sunday People magazine: “No, it doesn’t interest me in the slightest, mainly because I’ve catered for so many weddings, really.
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“I admire people who do it, that’s fine, but I’m quite happy. I don’t need to spend £60,000 on a day, no, I’m more than happy, thanks.”
James has also vowed to keep his private life out of the spotlight, saying he’s not comfortable discussing his other half in interviews.
He kicks off a 22-date tour in Grimsby on Wednesday night.
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