Fan favourite to return amid major U-turn on BBC Top Gear remake

Earlier this month, The Sun reported that the show will return once three new presenters are found to replace Paddy McGuinness, Freddie Flintoff and Chris Harris.

The show was most famously presented alongside Oxfordshire farmer Jeremy Clarkson, with Richard Hammond and James May until 2015.

Top Gear was shelved in 2022 following the serious crash of Freddie Flintoff, which saw him suffer serious injuries.

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An insider told the Sun: “BBC bosses are keen to revive Top Gear because they have never filled the space it left behind and so many viewers hanker after a motoring show.

“And it’s not just in Britain that the programme is much loved; it is a brand in its own right and watched by millions around the globe.

“Which is why it wasn’t just important to satisfy the needs of petrolheads, but also, specifically, fans of Top Gear. They’ll be thrilled to hear it is returning.”

Now a major new update has been given on the show, which sees a U-turn decision on a fan favourite filming location according to The Sun.

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When the Top Gear circuit at Dunsfold Aerodrome faced demolition for a residential development several years ago, it appeared to mark the end for the struggling programme.

However, with BBC Studios now working to bring back the motoring show, the former filming location could see production teams return.

The housing scheme at the ex-RAF base in Surrey, which resulted in the track being torn up, has been suspended.

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While construction workers had previously excavated the surface, leaving a large hole, it has since been reinstated, with only a newly built access route offering any evidence of the previous work.

A TV insider told The Sun: “The BBC has yet to publicly confirm the show is returning, so they have not revealed any details about the host or where it will be filmed from.

“But Dunsfold Aerodrome holds a special place in the memory of Top Gear devotees.

“It’s where so many celebrities tried to get the best time on the track in a reasonably priced car.”

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Top Gear started in 1977 as a regional motoring show before it grew, under the leadership of Mr Clarkson, into the most watched factual entertainment show in the world.

Mr Clarkson, Mr Hammond and Mr May left the show in 2015 and were quickly signed up by Amazon Prime.

From that, The Grand Tour was created and lasted for six series before the duo ended their adventures with ‘One for the Road’ in 2024.

The search is already under way for new Top Gear presenters, according to The Sun.