Life On Mars star Philip Glenister tipped to take over from Jeremy Clarkson on Top Gear

The actor, best known for his part as politically incorrect detective Gene Hunt on the drama series Life On Mars, is being tipped to take over from Clarkson as presenter on the popular motoring show.

He has ousted Great British Bake Off host Perkins as bookies' favourite following reports in The Sun on Sunday that the BBC is considering him for the job.

Car enthusiast Glenister, who is about to present the second series of For The Love Of Cars on Channel Four, saw his odds of joining Top Gear slashed from 10-1 to 2-1.

David Williams of Ladbrokes said: "All of a sudden Glenister is the hottest name around.

"We hadn't seen a penny for him before the weekend but in next to no time he's the new favourite. Punters seem convinced that something is afoot."

Simon Clare, spokesman for Coral, said: "We have seen a host of celebrities gambled on in recent weeks to take over from Clarkson and it is rapidly becoming one of the biggest novelty betting events ever."

Behind Glenister, Perkins is the next favourite at 4-1 followed by Dermot O'Leary who has recently quit The X Factor at 5-1.

Other contenders include Jodie Kidd, Steve Coogan, John Bishop, Johnny Vaughan and Stephen Fry.

Clarkson was the subject of an internal BBC investigation after he attacked Top Gear producer Oisin Tymon, splitting his lip and verbally abusing him in a 30-second assault on March 4.

He was suspended by the broadcaster on March 10 before it announced his contract would not be renewed.

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Life On Mars star Philip Glenister tipped to take over from Jeremy Clarkson on Top Gear