Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Top Gear: BBC dismisses rumours new series with Chris Evans is 'in crisis'

The show has been plagued with reports of a meltdown months before its scheduled air date in May

Jess Denham
Thursday 31 December 2015 12:05 EST
Comments
Chris Evans, the new presenter of BBC's Top Gear programme, and The Stig pose together
Chris Evans, the new presenter of BBC's Top Gear programme, and The Stig pose together (Yui Mok/PA Wire)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Reports that Chris Evans’ upcoming Top Gear reboot is “in crisis” have been dismissed by the BBC.

The recent departure of executive producer Lisa Clark months before the scheduled May air date escalated rumours that the motoring series formerly hosted by Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond was already in meltdown.

The latter trio has been back in the driving seat working on a new Amazon Prime programme together, following Clarkson’s widely-publicised dismissal in March after he punched a Top Gear producer.

Since Evans’ appointment as successor, reports have been rife that he is “unpredictable” when filming, leading to “meddling” from BBC Two controller Kim Shillinglaw who is on edge after past controversies surrounding Top Gear.

One source allegedly told The Sun that Evans had crashed a luxury Jaguar on his first lap of the track.

But when asked for comment, a spokesperson for the BBC told The Mirror: “This is all gossip and speculation and we don’t comment on such nonsense.”

Evans will be joined by German racing driver Sabine Schmitz and motoring reporter Chris Harris when Top Gear returns.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in