A motoring enthusiast who raced to fame after appearing on reality TV show The Undateables has seen fans petition for him to become the next presenter of Top Gear.

Alex Martin initially appeared on the Channel 4 dating show a year ago, fearing his autism would hold him back in his quest for love.

But when producers featured him in the latest series his passion for automobiles grabbed attention.

More than 19,400 people are currently campaigning for the 22-year-old, who plays for Maidstone United’s Raiders squad, to be the new face of motoring show Top Gear.

The petition ‘Get Alex from The Undateables to present Top Gear’ is addressed to BBC bosses.

The change.org page reads: “Top Gear is doomed, but I believe Alex can save the series and with your help we can make this dream a reality.”

Alex, a Vauxhall Corsa driver from Halling, said: “It’s great to see so many people sharing the petition. I didn’t realise it was going to be such a big thing.

“Since joining the football team and appearing on the show I’ve felt a lot more confident and it’s great so many people are supporting me.”

Jake Tasker, from Leicester, set up the petition after seeing Alex’s passion for motoring.

He described the way it has taken off as “overwhelming”.

Alex, a garden design student at Hadlow College, won viewers’ hearts when he first appeared on the show in January 2015.

He had never had a girlfriend or even a date before, but managed to win the heart of 21-year-old Eloise during a day out at Brands Hatch off the M20.

Further dates, including one in West Malling, followed and Alex said the couple remain happy.

Eloise, from Surrey, is also autistic. Ayear later, the pair’s first holiday – a romantic break in France’s Loire Valley – was beamed to the nation.

Alex has also played for Maidstone United’s disability football squad – the Raiders – for five years.

Lorraine Humm, Raiders league organiser, said: “I thought he came across really well on TV.

“It’s great – with help of the team he’s been able to grow his confidence.”

Top Gear is set to return in May with a new line-up featuring presenter Chris Evans at the helm.

He takes over from Jeremy Clarkson who was dropped in March, following a BBC investigation into an attack on one of the show’s producers.

The BBC has not commented on the petition.