KATIE Price has been named as an outside favourite to take over as host of Top Gear after Jeremy Clarkson was sensationally dismissed yesterday.

The Brighton-born former Page 3 girl, who is often spotted driving around Sussex in a pink Range Rover, is 66/1 to become the face of the BBC’s flagship motoring show.

However, the 36-year-old, who is currently in Australia doing TV work, is yet to comment on the potential job.

BBC Director General Tony Hall yesterday announced Clarkson’s contract would not be renewed when it runs out later this year.

The news follows his suspension on March 10 after it is alleged he punched the show’s producer Oisin Tymon in a row over dinner.

Mr Hall said the incident meant that “a line has been crossed”.

A BBC report found the 30-second attack, which was only stopped when a witness intervened, was accompanied by a volley of verbal abuse so loud that it could be heard throughout the hotel where the programme’s crew were staying.

It said Mr Tymon, who was left with a split lip after being struck by Clarkson, “believed that he had lost his job” following the attack and drove himself to a “nearby A&E department for examination”.

Bookmakers were taking bets last night on who would replace Clarkson, with many Sussex names in the frame.

Radio 2 breakfast DJ Chris Evans who has a house near Petworth and used to own a pub in Lickfold, is favourite to take over at 6/4.

Second favourite is model and aspiring racing driver Jodie Kidd who went to St Michael’s School, Burton Park, Petworth, and is believed to still have a home nearby.

In 2005, she married entrepreneur Aidan Butler at St Peter’s Church in Twineham.

Also among the favourites is former newspaper editor and TV personality Piers Morgan, from Newick, at 12/1 and owner of Brighton Fish restaurant Fishy Fishy, Dermot O’Leary, 6/1.

However, at 66/1, Brighton-born Katie Price, who now lives near Horsham, could be worth a punt as an outside bet.

Yesterday evening a spokeswoman for North Yorkshire Police said the force had asked the BBC for its report on the incident which happened at a hotel in the county She said: “The information will be assessed appropriately and action will be taken by North Yorkshire Police where necessary.

“It would not be appropriate for North Yorkshire Police to comment further at this time.”

Clarkson changed his Twitter profile last night to “I used to be a presenter on the BBC2 motoring show Top Gear”.

Clarkson’s next step is unknown but it is understood at least one major broadcaster – Sky – has ruled out signing him up.