Honestly if the BBC have to choose between LeBlanc and Evans then they best go for LeBlanc who I've seen many single out as the saving grace of this reboot, if they go for Evans who I've seen many, many, MANY people single out as the sole reason not to watch the show, then BBC have lost the plot.

Let's face it who ever it is who fronts the show it will never ever be the same, Top Gear is in decline as a show and its name.

Are you suggesting the BARB figures are wrong?

I don't know anyone who tuned into the previous version so the figures for that must have also wrong.

Indeed.

Serves the BBC right. Everyone knows it wouldn't work with Evans, yet they hired him as presenter.

Look, I'm seeing lots of posts like this.

a) Chris Evans has history in the 1990s of creating mega-mega hit TV formats (namely Don't Forget Your Toothbrush and TFI Friday). He knows his onions as a TV producer.

b) Since 2005, he has been a very loyal and reliable BBC 'company man' through his Radio 2 work, plus TV work such as the One Show and BBC Music events

c) He has the history of flair for 'sailing close to the wind' TV, but has calmed down enough to not put anything ridiculous on screen

d) He loves his cars and knows about the subject matter

Therefore it was not ridiculous for him to be approached to take on the show following confirmation that Wilman, May and Hammond were electing to follow Clarkson out of the door.

Of course, you can put the following arguments against it:

e) Every TV project that Evans has been creatively responsible for (OFI Sunday, Live with Chris Moyles, etc etc) since 2000 hasn't gone very well, with the sole exception of the TFI reunion, which came at just the right time for him, as it got a big audience and showed people that he still 'had it' as a TV creative force, just at the time that the Top Gear gig came vacant

f) His on-screen persona is different to Clarkson's, and it was obvious that he would not present it in the same languid, ironic fashion and would instead be more high-octane ('shouty') and energetic - which many have quoted as being a turn-off

g) His history of implosion and falling out with a team under pressure - but having said that, this last happened in 2001 really

h) The fact that he had too many projects on the go at once - keeping on the Radio 2 show meant his time was constrained enough, without also having a run of TFI Friday to oversee

But, I still think that there were enough reasons for the BBC to give it to him, whilst also being able to say in hindsight why it hasn't worked out yet. Another reason, is that the press have tons of resentment for him following his 90s exploits and they've given him both barrels which have meant that he hasn't really had a fair crack of the whip.

Who should they have given it to instead? Don't say Chris Harris. He's great, but they obviously weren't going to give a multi-million-pound franchise to a guy who makes YouTube videos.

I like Chris Evans, but not on Top Gear. He is great at TFI Friday etc. Matt LeBlanc has slotted into Top Gear beautifully. I also don't like Eddie Jordan, full stop, he makes me disinterested in the show.

If Evans was never appointed and it was CH and MLB I'm guessing one of them would now be the hated figurehead for millions of people.

its almost time

wish he'd bloody get changed. this isnt the voice

Best review CE has done so far, I think.

The only thing that hurts at the moment is my ears

Solid show thus far.

Followed up by MLB's best solo feature so far.

I know people often say this, but the cinematography on this show is just incredible and beautiful! Best thing about the show.

What was evens prattling on about???

It has been excellent so far, but can it survive this segment?

When is Chris Evans going to get changed he's worn the same clothes in the studio since episode 1

Good show so far but time for a tea-break now

BBC will confirm very soon that series two presenters will be Reid, Harris and Le Blanc.

"Would you like to see your laps??"......

Yes!!!! ****ing get on with it!!!!!!

Matt Le Blanc

That's how you deal with problems


Will Evans disappear beneath the floor

Is this speculation or are you "in the know"?

Gotta love Norman..... and his 'bloody' wrist. Bless 'im. Nice piece by Rory too.

I reckon they've nailed it. They've seemingly listened to criticism (a rarity for the Beeb) and modified it accordingly. No, it's not three tits titting about with caravans and car-boats but it finally seems comfortable in itself rather than an awkwardly forced, poor imitation of its predecessor.