TV's Top Gear to go on world tour

Top Gear has become known for its car stunts and speed trials

TV car show Top Gear is to be turned into a live event for a world tour that will visit 15 countries.

The BBC Two show's presenters Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond are expected to sign up for the British leg of the Top Gear Live tour.

BBC Worldwide said the live shows would "incorporate the drama of film and theatre with the thrills and spills of stunts and special effects".

It will visit Earls Court in London and Birmingham's NEC later this year.

The show will be part of the Prestige and Performance Motor Show, which will be held at both venues in October and November.

Global reach

Top Gear is currently seen on 32 channels around the world and the first two overseas versions have been commissioned in the US and Australia.

BBC Worldwide, the corporation's commercial arm, said "elements" of the TV show would be brought to life as a "live motoring experience".

Money from ticket sales will be ploughed back into the corporation's coffers through BBC Worldwide.

Adam Waddell, managing director of Top Gear, BBC Worldwide, said: "Taking Top Gear Live on tour is tremendously exciting and ties in perfectly with our plans to reach out to audiences around the globe."

A BBC Worldwide spokesman said he did not know which other countries the tour would visit.