New Top Gear Lineup

After Jeremy Clarkson's firing, it has been reported that Richard Hammond and James May have also left the show.  Perhaps also let go after their public support of Clarkson - I would certainly fire them.

They will be 'replaced' by Philip Glenister, Jodie Kidd and Guy Martin.  These three were at various times indicated by UK bookies to be high on the list of contenders.  'Coincidentally' they have all been chosen.  

Glenister is a British actor, mostly of TV shows (My Life as a Martian), but as far as I can tell, has nothing to do with high performance cars.  Not even as a hobby.  Not sure why he was chosen, but I imagine he will be the one who most often crashes or loses any driving challenges.

Kidd was a fashion model, and more recently on TV in Strictly Come Dancing and then Celebrity Masterchef.  Unlike Glenister, she actually has some motorsports interest and limited experience, even competing in a number of Gumboil 3000 rallies.

Guy Martin, the only one of the three with actual motor racing pedigree is from Lincolnshire, where they speak with a unique and hard to understand accent.  That to me is his only drawback as a Top Gear presenter...I would prefer if they have under titles when he is talking.  Guy is the eccentric of the bunch, and was also a competitive motorcycle racer.  He will be the one to watch for the best performance car reviews, and likely the best driving skills.

I'm not sure of the lineup, but what I am sure of is that they had better not try to duplicate the old show.  They need to completely come up with a new concept.  Keeping the Stig might be the only thing I want to see from the old show.  New set, new ideas, new performances and presenter relationships.  If they duplicate the old show, I won't watch past the pilot episode.