The world of the BBC’s Top Gear has been in flux ever since Jeremy Clarkson’s fracas back in March in which he socked a producer after a long day of filming that apparently ended with a less-than-stellar dinner.

The previously rumored replacements hosts – Glenister, Kidd, and Martin, respectively. Image: Telegraph

Since then we’ve heard that the BBC would not be renewing Clarkson’s contract, effectively firing him from the show, and that his cohosts, Richard Hammond and James May, would be exiting along with him.

After that we heard they might’ve already selected replacements for the trio, a rumor that seemed plausible given the suspects’ resumes. Now the latest rumor circulating involves a totally different approach from what we’d consider to be the “traditional” Top Gear format – a different third host for each episode.

But wait – there’s more. Sources for The Independent report that the way this scenario would play out would involve Hammond and May returning to the show as the two permanent hosts and the third seat being the wild card for each episode.

Last month, Clarkson also posted this shot of Hammond behind the wheel of a vintage Aston Martin. The caption reads “Coming to Belfast soon. The Interceptors. Clarkson Hammond and May. Live.”

It’s a format we find far-fetched for a number of reasons, not the least of which is because of how blunt the pair have been about not ditching Clarkson.

That’s a wise stance to take because diehard fans are already familiar with how each of these hosts do on their own – all have done solo automotive-related shows in the past – and none could hold a candle to the quality of the Top Gear material.

Moreover, the three have been close friends for many years now and it’s doubtful that the reported £1 million offered to the pair would be enough to facilitate such a dramatic change in course.