The Radio 2 presenter and bookies' favourite was at last confirmed as the new 'Top Gear' presenter after months of speculation.
It’s the news that many suspected would finally come, but the BBC has today confirmed that Chris Evans will be the lead presenter of an “all new” line-up of ‘Top Gear’ in 2016.
The official ‘Top Gear’ site first posted the announcement on Tuesday (June 16th) that the BBC Radio 2 presenter would be fronting a revamped version of the show next year. Of course, the news also means that Richard Hammond and James May will not be returning to the show, despite a rumoured £4.6 million offer each to remain with the BBC.
Chris Evans will be the new lead presenter of a re-vamped 'Top Gear' in 2016
Evans, who scored a big ratings hit on Channel 4 with the one-off comeback special of the ‘90s chat show favourite ‘TFI Friday’ on June 12th that featured an exclusive unofficial 'Top Gear' film, said he was “thrilled” to get the job, despite having repeatedly denied his interest ever since Jeremy Clarkson was sacked for assaulting a producer back in March.
More: ‘TFI Friday’ comeback special is a ratings hit for Channel 4
“I promise I will do everything I possibly can to respect what has gone on before and take the show forward,” the 49 year old presenter said. He also confirmed via Twitter that he would not be quitting his role as the presenter of Radio 2’s breakfast show, and that he could manage both jobs at the same time.
Kim Shillinglaw, the controller of BBC Two, also gave a statement on the news. “I'm so delighted that Chris will be presenting the next series of ‘Top Gear’. His knowledge of and passion for cars is well-known, and combined with his sheer inventiveness and cheeky unpredictability he is the perfect choice to take our much-loved show into the future.”
Well, that draws to a close one of the most protracted decisions in recent TV history. The fate of Clarkson, Hammond and May have yet to be decided, but they are widely expected to revive pretty much the same show as ‘Top Gear’ under a different name on a new network in the future. ITV, Sky and streaming service Netflix have all been linked with the trio.
More: BBC releases final ‘Top Gear’ episode trailer to feature Jeremy Clarkson
Phase Three of the Marvel Cinematic Universe prepares to come to a climax as ‘The...
This may be the third reboot of this franchise in 15 years, risking audience exhaustion,...
This is one of those films that dances right up to the edge of soapy...
Mary is a bright and happy little girl who lives with her uncle, Frank; he...
After the formulaic thrills of The Winter Soldier and Age of Ultron, Marvel's Avengers were...
The Avengers are suffering from an image crisis. As much good that they do and...
As the world of Marvel super heroes become ever more entwined, Captain America: Civil War...
Brooke Dalton is a young married woman from Boston with enough problems in her life...
Marvel fans will love the action mayhem in this Avengers sequel, but everyone else will...
All the creatures of the animal kingdom are called to a meeting, only to receive...
They've fought private military corporations, Nazi splinter-groups and a Norse god. Now, The Avengers assemble...
The Avengers may be feeling like they are capable of anything after saving New York...
A lot has happened since the Battle of New York. The world was attacked by...