And then there were five. Following yesterday’s
surprise announcement that Chris Evans would not return for
Top Gear’s 24th season, a BBC spokesperson confirmed the show will carry on with five presenters –
Matt LeBlanc,
Chris Harris,
Rory Reid,
Sabine Schmitz, and
Eddie Jordan – and will record new shows in September.
“We have no immediate plans to replace
Chris Evans and do not expect to do so going forward,” a BBC spokesperson
told The Evening Standard. The same spokesperson also said that Evans made the decision to leave on his own volition and that the BBC “fully respects his decision.”
Following his announcement on Twitter, Evans released a lengthier statement about his
Top Gear departure.
“I have never worked with a more committed and driven team than the team I have worked with over the last 12 months,” Evans said. “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.”
Meanwhile,
London
Metropolitan Police are investigating Chris Evans over a “non-recent sexual assault.” It’s unclear if this investigation had anything to do Evans’ departure from
Top Gear, with
some sources saying he made the decision to quit last week before the investigation came to light. Evans has reportedly denied the allegations.
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