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How tall is Jodie Kidd, who are her parents, when did she do horse jumping and which TV shows has she been on?

The fashion model turned race car driver has had quite the career over the past few decades. And now she's in the running to replace Matt LeBlanc as Top Gear host when he leaves after next series. Bookies William Hill have given Jodie a 10/1 odds. Here's what we know about her...

JODIE Kidd burst onto the scene as a teenager in the 90s and her career in the spotlight is still going strong.

Here's everything you need to know about the former model who turned down a job on Top Gear in 2016 but is once again in the running to host the hit BBC show.

 Jodie Kidd has been in the spotlight since she was a teenager
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Jodie Kidd has been in the spotlight since she was a teenagerCredit: Rex Features

Who is Jodie Kidd? What's her background?

Jodie Kidd was born in Guildford, Surrey, on September 25, 1978.

She is the daughter of businessman and former show jumper Johnny Kidd and her maternal grandfather is Sir John Rowland Hodge, 2nd Baronet.

Growing up in nearby West Sussex, Jodie began horse riding at a young age and was soon competing in show jumping events.

Jodie has one sister, Jemma, and a younger brother called Jack. She also has a half brother called Nick and half sister called Debbie.

 Jodie has modelled for world famous brands
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Jodie has modelled for world famous brandsCredit: Getty Images

When did Jodie Kidd find fame?

Jodie burst into the modelling industry aged just 16,  having been discovered on a beach by photographer Terry O'Neil the previous year.

Her emergence caused some controversy however, due to her tall physique and very slender frame.

Jodie later went on to model for huge campaigns and brands, including Yves Saint Laurent and Chloe.

 She is also a self-confessed petrol head
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She is also a self-confessed petrol headCredit: PA:Press Association

How tall is Jodie Kidd?

Jodie, 38, is an impressive 6ft 2ins (1.88 metres) tall.

When she was discovered, Jodie reportedly weighed 7st 5lbs (48kg).

Coupled with her height, this is why some people questioned whether she was a good role model for teenage girls.

Jodie's shoe size is a UK 8.

Speaking about her figure to the  in 2014, she said: "I don’t really borrow people’s clothes because I’m such an odd size; not many of my friends are 6ft 2in with size 42 feet.

"I do have a lovely pair of Kate Moss’ Ray-Bans, which I haven’t given back yet."

 Jodie zoomed to the top of the Top Gear leader board in 2003
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Jodie zoomed to the top of the Top Gear leader board in 2003

When did Jodie appear on Top Gear?

Jodie is a self-confessed petrol head and is a former professional racing car driver.

In 2003, Jodie set the series record for Top Gear's Star In A Reasonably Priced Car. She beat Jamiroquai singer Jay Kay and Gordon Ramsay.

Jodie was later beaten by Simon Cowell, leaving her in overall 11th place.

In 2015, it was rumoured Jodie would be taking over from Jeremy Clarkson in presenting the revamped version of Top Gear.

But the model turned down the gig and told The  at the time: "I made the decision very recently.

“Everyone every day has been asking me, am I doing it? Am I doing it? I am not, okay. But I feel greatly honoured that people think I could possibly be good enough to fill those shoes, especially as a woman.”

Since Matt LeBlanc announced he was quitting the show, Jodie has once again been in the running to host the show.

Bookies William Hill have already given her a 10/1 odds to be his replacement.

 Jodie's latest TV venture is as a contestant on The Crystal Maze
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Jodie's latest TV venture is as a contestant on The Crystal MazeCredit: Not known refer to copyright holder

What other shows has Jodie been on?

Despite turning down Top Gear, Jodie has presented The Classic Car Show alongside Quentin Wilson since 2015.

She finished in sixth place in the 2008 series of Strictly Come Dancing and was a finalist in 2014's Celebrity MasterChef.

The following year, Jodie took part in Channel 4's The Jump and again finished in sixth place.

On June 30, Jodie was one of the celebrity contestants taking on the new series of The Crystal Maze, and took part in a team including Scarlett Moffatt, Gethin Jones and Joey Essex.

Jodie Kidd sets Top Gear lap record
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