“Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff and Paddy McGuinness are not currently household names in Iran. But if the pair ever go there they should prepare to be mobbed after being announced as the new hosts of Top Gear.

“The Middle Eastern country is one of more than 200 territories around the world where the show is broadcast, attracting a loyal fanbase attracted by a mix of banter and fast cars.

“The former England cricketer and the host of ITV dating show Take Me Out are being tasked with keeping one of the BBC’s most important cash cows on the road, sustaining a global web of TV rights deals and merchandise agreements that bring in tens of millions of pounds a year.”

Read more at The Guardian