Top Gear Takes the Stage at BBC Worldwide Showcase

LIVERPOOL: A parade of some of the world’s top cars helped usher in Chris Evans and Matt LeBlanc, two of the new hosts of the international hit Top Gear, during a BBC Worldwide Showcase event last night celebrating the show’s upcoming 23rd season.

The event, held at the Echo Arena Liverpool, also featured live music. Master of ceremonies Richard Bacon introduced BBC Worldwide CEO Tim Davie, who in turn welcomed guests in front of an audience made up of hundreds of buyers from all corners of the globe. The show kicked off with interviews with James Norton, one of the stars of the drama War & Peace, and Keeley Hawes of The Durrells.

A dinner then gave way to the main event, a showcase of the newest Top Gear members. Along with Evans and LeBlanc, the latest cast additions were introduced: German car racer Sabine Schmitz; Chris Harris, known for his popular YouTube motorhead channel; and Rory Reid, a journalist who specializes in automobiles.

The parade of supercars included a McLaren P1, Porsche 918, Aston Martin DB10, Jaguar C-X75, Ferrari F12 TDF, BMW i8, Mercedes Benz AMG GT, Lamborghini Aventador and Aston Martin Vanquish, plus a BMW 1 series that flew during the show. Also featured were two Porsche 911s that were lit on fire for a series of stunts.

Midway through the show, internationally recognized English footballer David Beckham presented his latest project for BBC Worldwide, David Beckham: For the Love of the Game. Beckham also revealed his knowledge and passion for cars, sharing with the audience the cars he enjoys driving, depending on the occasion.

The spectacle ended with a musical performance by English rapper Tinie Tempah.