TV and radio presenter Chris Evans will take Jeremy Clarkson’s spot as the “Top Gear” host, the BBC announced on Tuesday. Evans has signed a three-year deal to lead an all new “Top Gear” lineup.
“I’m thrilled, ‘Top Gear’ is my favorite program of all time,” said Evans in a statement. “Created by a host of brilliant minds who love cars and understand how to make the massively complicated come across as fun, devil-may-care and effortless. When in fact of course, it’s anything but and that’s the genius of ‘Top Gear’s’ global success.”
“I promise I will do everything I possibly can to respect what has gone on before and take the show forward,” he went on.
Evans also tweeted about the news on Tuesday, calling former “Top Gear” stars Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May “the greatest” and confirming that he would not be leaving his popular “R2 Breakfast Show” on BBC Radio 2.
Clarkson was dropped from the program in March after punching a producer on location. Hammond, May and former exec producer Andy Wilman cut ties to the show shortly after.
Evans, who is a known car enthusiast, previously shot down rumors that he would fill Clarkson’s shoes. Earlier this year, the broadcast veteran tweeted that he would “never” vie for the spot.
Production on “Top Gear,” made by BBC Productions, will start in the next few weeks.
