Steve Coogan was asked to present 'Top Gear'.

Steve Coogan

Steve Coogan

The 50-year-old actor - who is also known by his character Alan Partridge - was approached by bosses to host the revamped version of the motoring show before Chris Evans and Matt LeBlanc were announced as the new replacement presenters but he refused because he couldn't handle it.

Speaking on 'Alan Carr: Chatty Man' tonight (17.03.16), he explained: "They mentioned me and I have been on three times. In fact, when I'm abroad I get recognised, not for Alan Partridge, but for having been on 'Top Gear' three times.

"That is my claim to fame. They did mention me but I'm not sure I would be very good at that. You know, they always say it's better to say why wasn't he a presenter on 'Top Gear' than why was he a presenter on 'Top Gear'. Think about that."

Meanwhile, Chris and Matt - who have been brought in as the replacements for Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May - have been urged by producers to persuade their celebrity friends to appear on the new show this year.

A source said recently: "'Top Gear' is famous around the world and we usually get good names. Chris and Matt should not have a problem getting the cream of the crop from their contact books."

'Top Gear' is set to hit screens on May 8.

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