Jeremy Clarkson has met up with rumoured replacement Jodie Kidd at the pub. Source: Splash News Australia

The pair were outside a London pub with daytime TV host Penny Smith.

Kidd was one of the frontrunners to take on the job of presenting the hit motoring show, according to bookmakers, who also tipped motorcycle racer-turned TV star Guy Martin among the favourites.

The pair talked intensely over beers.. Source: Splash News Australia

Clarkson was suspended from the show after he attacked producer Oisin Tymon, splitting his lip and verbally abusing him, before the BBC allowed his contract to lapse.

His co-stars, Richard Hammond and James May, are believed to have also left the show along with producer Andy Wilman.

They are expected to launch a rival show with another broadcaster.

Jodie is the frontrunner to replace former Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson. Source: Splash News Australia

Last week, BBC2 boss Kim Shillinglaw, who has been tasked with finding a replacement for Clarkson, suggested the presenter would return at some point.

“Jeremy will be back on the BBC,” she said.

“It’s serious and unfortunate what happened but there is no ban on Jeremy being on the BBC.

“It’s a big deal what happened and Jeremy, as any human being would, needs some time.”

She also confirmed that scenes filmed before Clarkson was suspended were likely to air, saying: “No way would I want the available material not to be seen by viewers.”