Chris Evans has quit his role as presenter of ‘Top Gear’, less than a day after the first series of his re-vamped version of the popular motoring show ended on BBC Two amid its lowest ratings yet.

The BBC Radio 2 breakfast show host, 50, took to Twitter on Monday afternoon (July 4th) to announce his departure from the show, saying he “gave it my best shot but sometimes that’s not enough.” He also paid tribute to everybody on ‘Top Gear’, describing them as “beyond brilliant”.

Top GearChris Evans (middle) has quit 'Top Gear', with Matt LeBlanc (left) believed to be offered a new contract

It comes after Sunday night’s sixth and final episode was broadcast to record low ratings, which dipped below two million for the first time in the series, with viewers flocking to watch the Euro 2016 quarter-final match between France and Iceland instead.

In a statement, Evans said of his departure: “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. 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.”

The BBC is thought to be negotiating with Evans’ co-presenter Matt LeBlanc, to whom viewers generally reacted well, over a new contract as the sole host of a second series of the re-booted show.

More: ‘Top Gear’ ends with a new ratings low for Chris Evans and his team

It’s also thought they invited Evans to continue negotiations for a new contract but that he refused, with some insiders believing that the negative coverage – combined with The Sun reporting accusations of sexual harassment that were made against him back in May – have discouraged him.

Evans faces the possibility of being questioned over the allegations in the coming days, as the Metropolitan Police issued a statement on Monday detailing the accusations made by a woman back on May 23rd. However, they added that, as of yet: “There have been no arrests and no person has been interviewed under caution.”

Evans has consistently denied the claims, plus those of bullying made against him back in the ‘90s, as a “witch-hunt” and “ridiculous”.

More: In need of new Gear? Chris Evans ridiculed for wearing the same outfit for four weeks on ‘Top Gear’