In what is arguably the most sensational exit in recent British history, Chris Evans has left Top Gear.
Lead presenter, Chris Evans, sensationally quit the popular motoring TV series yesterday after just one season. Following wide spread criticism of his irritating “shouty” presentation style and unsuccessful attempts to recreate the same on screen chemistry as his predecessors, Evans has tendered his resignation.
Evans took to Twitter yesterday to publicly announce his decision, “Stepping down from Top Gear. Gave it my best shot but sometimes that’s not enough. The team are beyond brilliant; I wish them all the best”.
In a more calculated statement later in the day, Evans praised the team behind the show.
“I have never worked with a more committed and driven team than the team I have worked with over the last 12 months. I feel like my standing aside is the single best thing I can now do to help the cause”, Evans said.
“I remain a huge fan of the show, always have been, always will be. I will continue to focus on my radio show and the allied events that it encompasses.”
Evans had signed a three-year deal with BBC to present the show, but after ratings slumped to a measly 1.9M for Sunday’s season finale, his decision to leave was all but made for him.
Despite a tumultuous year for the once popular show, Director of BBC Studios, Mark Linsey, remains optimistic about the future of Top Gear: “He says he gave it his best shot doing everything he could to make the show a success. He firmly believes that the right people remain, on both the production team and presenting team to take the show forward and make it the hit we want it to be.”
It is not known how this will affect Co-Host Matt LeBlanc, however, reports suggest that the former friends star is set to step into the lead roll with support from existing cast members Chris Harris and Sabine Schmitz.
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