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Chris Evans denies reports he is replacing Top Gear's Jeremy Clarkson

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Chris Evans has categorically denied claims that he will be taking Jeremy Clarkson's place on Top Gear. The Radio 2 host had been hotly tipped to take over the role on the BBC car show, following Jeremy's suspension this week, but shut down those reports in a tweet on Wednesday. "Re @SkyNews Top Gear debate. I can categorically say I am not and will NEVER be running for office. Pls discount my candidacy," the 48-year-old confirmed.

chris evans © Photo: Getty Images

Chris Evans has denied reports he is replacing Jeremy Clarkson

Car enthusiast Chris is well known for his love of motor vehicles, and had been the favourite to take over the role should Jeremy not return to the show. The future of Top Gear seems to be in jeopardy. Its long-running host Jeremy is facing disciplinary proceedings over a "fracas" with a producer, in which he is said to have aimed a punch. A spokeswoman for the BBC confirmed that Sunday's scheduled broadcast of Top Gear has been cancelled. "Following a fracas with a BBC producer, Jeremy Clarkson has been suspended pending an investigation," she said. "No one else has been suspended. Top Gear will not be broadcast this Sunday. The BBC will be making no further comment at this time."

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Top Gear hosts Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond

Amid the furore, the presenter's daughter Emily made a tongue-in-cheek plea to the BBC to reinstate her dad. "Oh God, BBC please take him back… He's started cooking," she wrote to the 23.5k followers on Twitter on Tuesday night. Her comment came after Jeremy's Top Gear co-hosts also made light of the situation on the social media site. "No Top Gear this weekend, apparently. How about 633 Squadron instead? @JeremyClarkson @RichardHammond," wrote James May, referencing the 1964 war film. "No, surely, Last of the Summer Wine; no one will notice the difference. Job done," Richard Hammond joked.