Zoe Ball set to hitch Chris Evans as Prime Gear presenter

The Stig holds the future of Top Gear in his gloved hands as bosses give him the power to choose Chris Evans’ co-hosts.

The Strictly Come Dancing stand-in presenter is said to be being lined-up by BBC bosses due to her on screen “chemistry” with Evans.

“Zoe looks like a certainty after the screen tests”, the newspaper quoted its source as saying.

“She was sensible down on the race monitor and she or he’s keen about automobiles”.

“The chemistry between Zoe and Chris is flawless”, the source added.

Zoe, 44, and Chris, 49, have known each since the 1990s when they appeared, separately, on Channel 4’s Big Breakfast. They’ve additionally both introduced Radio 1 and a couple of breakfast shows.

Old friends: Chris Evans and Zoe Ball have known each other from early on in their careers.

Hopeful fans and potential co-stars are nervously awaiting the decision, but no timescale has been confirmed as the corporation looks to move on following the exit of Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May.

If Zoe is offered the role, it will come after months of searching for co-hosts to join Chris, who confirmed he would present the show in June.

Motorbike racer Guy Martin, actor Philip Glenister and presenter Dermot O’Leary have all been tipped as a third presenter.

MailOnline has contacted a representative for Zoe Ball, and a rep for Top Gear, and is awaiting comment.