Jeremy Clarkson’s replacement is revealed and the reaction is… mixed
Following Jeremy Clarkson's dramatic exit as host of BBC's Top Gear back in March, his replacement has finally been revealed.
BBC Radio 2 presenter Chris Evans will take over hosting duties on the beloved motor show starting later this year. Chris will be working with an "all new" line-up, meaning Richard Hammond and James May will also be bowing down from the show.
The news was announced last night, and Chris himself took to Twitter to confirm it was true and to thank the show's former hosts for their work. "First tweet as new Top Gear host. I would like to say Jeremy, Richard & James are the greatest. And NO I'm not leaving the R2 Breakfast Show," he wrote.
First tweet as new Top Gear host. I would like to say Jeremy, Richard & James are the greatest. And NO I'm not leaving the R2 Breakfast Show
— Chris Evans (@achrisevans) June 16, 2015
Clearly still reeling from the big news, Chris tweeted again just now, saying, "Morning Wednesday. Had a dream last night that . . . Oh no, hang on."
Morning Wednesday. Had a dream last night that . . . Oh no, hang on.
— Chris Evans (@achrisevans) June 17, 2015
While Jeremy and Richard have both remained quiet on the social media front since the announcement, James did tweet this morning to say that Chris' appointment as host was "a ballsy call."
Well: best of luck to @achrisevans and the future of Top Gear (b. 1977). That's a ballsy call, frankly, and to be admired.
— James May (@MrJamesMay) June 16, 2015
Not sure if that's a compliment or not…
As for the show's fans, the reaction so far has been very up and down, with some saying the show is as good as over without Jeremy and co.
Chris Evans takes on Top Gear. Or at least, takes on a car show for @BBC There's only one @JeremyClarkson. #TopGear
— Katie Hopkins (@KTHopkins) June 16, 2015
Looks like Chris Evans has signed a deal to present Top Gear .. @JeremyClarkson hard act to follow
— Lord Sugar (@Lord_Sugar) June 16, 2015
So, Chris Evans is to be the new host of Top Gear. So much for the categorical denials. Flogging a dead horse springs to mind. #TopGear
— Crystal Pearl (@CrystalPearly) June 17, 2015
Chris has signed a three-year deal with the BBC for the new version of the show. We're looking forward to seeing how he gets on…
