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• Voice of Golf to replace Clarkson ‘today’
• Alliss, 84, to take helm for ‘at least one series’
• Source: ‘Nobody will forget this date in a hurry’

WORLD EXCLUSIVE

Peter Alliss is being sensationally lined-up to replace Jeremy Clarkson as the host of Top Gear, bunkered.co.uk has learned.

Alliss, the BBC’s long-standing ‘Voice of Golf’, could even be confirmed in the role as early as noon today.

Clarkson, below, was told last month that his contract would not be extended after this series following a raft of indiscretions and BBC bosses are believed to be looking to take the immensely popular car show in a completely new direction, with Alliss at the helm for at least one series.

The timing couldn’t be better, too, with the venerable Englishman expected to commentate on his final Open Championship this summer, with Sky having secured the rights to cover the event live from next year.

It was expected that Alliss, now 84, would retire altogether from broadcasting after this year’s Open. However, Beeb bosses appear to have talked him into staying on as the host of a radically revamped Top Gear.

“We have been considering many different candidates to take the helm of Top Gear following the dismissal of Jeremy Clarkson,” said BBC man Alf Priolo. “However, after some deliberation we came to the conclusion that Peter is the man for the job.

“This move will definitely come as a surprise to many people.” – Beeb man Alf Priolo

“He has built up a loyal and responsive fan-base over more than 50 years behind the microphone of the BBC’s golf coverage and we are sure he will take many of them with him to Top Gear.”

He added: “This move will definitely come as a surprise to many people but I truly believe this is the start of a bold new era for Top Gear.

“Put it this way: nobody will forget this date in a hurry.”

Peter Alliss to Top Gear :: Your thoughts

What do you make of the frankly unbelievable news, revealed today, that Peter Alliss is set to replace Jeremy Clarkson as the host of Top Gear? Leave your thoughts in our ‘Comments’ section below.