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Will Mellor is in the running to be the new host of Top Gear.

The 39-year-old actor has emerged as a new favourite to replace sacked Jeremy Clarkson on the motoring show as BBC bosses think he is someone the programme's audience would relate to and could attract a younger audience to the show as well as more female viewers.

Will is said to be very interested in taking the job as he loves cars with a passion.

(Image: Sunday Mirror)

A source told BANG Showbiz: "Will has emerged as one of the favourites for the job. Bosses think he would be perfect to take the helm and would bring a younger audience with him that has grown up with him on Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps and Hollyoaks.

"He also has a lot of female admirers who could tune in, which is something that Clarkson didn't have."

Will has worked with the BBC for years on various sitcoms and dramas, most recently appearing in baby drama In the Club opposite Jill Halfpenny, and is highly regarded by the corporation.

Other stars that have been linked to Jeremy's old job include Chris Evans and Sue Perkins - both of whom have ruled themselves out of the running - Jodie Kidd, Dermot O'Leary and Philip Glenister.

Bookmakers William Hill and Paddy Power are offering 10/1 for Will to get Jeremy's old job, while Ladbrokes have slashed his odds from 100/1 to 33/1.

But former X Factor presenter Dermot remains number one favourite with most bookies.

Meanwhile, Jeremy's co-star James May has confessed he thinks it will be "virtually impossible" for Top Gear to continue without the sacked host.

Executive producer Andy Wilman has resigned from his position sparking speculation he could be preparing to launch his own rival show with Jeremy, James and Richard Hammond.

James previously said: "Me and [Richard] Hammond with a surrogate Jeremy is a non-starter, it just wouldn't work ... It has to be the three of us. I don't think you could carry on with two people and put someone in as the new Jeremy because they are not going to be the new Jeremy.

"That would be short sighted and I don't think it would work. Virtually impossible."

Mirror TV has contacted a representative of Will for comment.