Comedian Rowan Atkinson has emerged as a potential host for the upcoming revival of the BBC motoring programme Top Gear.
The 71-year-old performer, best known for his portrayal of Mr Bean, resides in a contemporary glass property situated in the Chiltern Hills region of southern Oxfordshire.
The residence was designed by acclaimed architect Richard Meier.
Beyond his screen work, Atkinson maintains a notable enthusiasm for automobiles and possesses an extensive collection of vehicles.
His garage contains a 1964 Ford Falcon Sprint, a 1939 BMW 328 Roadster, and a Honda NSX.
The actor experienced two separate incidents involving his McLaren F1 supercar, ultimately selling the vehicle in 2015 for approximately $12.2 million.
Reports from the London Evening Standard have positioned Atkinson as a candidate for the revamped presenting lineup.
The publication noted his status as a car enthusiast with a collection valued in the millions, describing him as a potential contender.
Atkinson has participated regularly in motorsport events and has expressed particular admiration for the Goodwood Revival, stating that no other racing event in the world compares to it.
His appearances on Top Gear include series 17, where he completed a lap in 1:42.2, achieving the position of fastest celebrity driver on the programme’s leaderboard at that time.
The BBC has officially announced that Top Gear will return to television following an absence of four years, with the previous iteration having been derailed by an incident that nearly proved fatal for presenter Andrew Flintoff.
At a recent panel discussion, BBC director of entertainment Ed Havard addressed questions regarding the show’s future.
When pressed about the programme’s return, Havard stated that speculation could now be confirmed, though he declined to elaborate on potential presenters.
Regarding speculation that Jimmy Carr might take on hosting duties, Havard indicated that Carr would excel in the role but declined to provide further details.
Additional information about the revamped series is expected to be released soon.