Chris Evans Exits Top Gear

LONDON: BBC has confirmed that presenter Chris Evans is leaving the popular motoring show Top Gear after the host tweeted his departure over the weekend.

“Chris is stepping down from his duties on Top Gear,” said Mark Linsey, the director of BBC Studios. “He says he gave it his best shot doing everything he could to make the show a success. He firmly believes that the right people remain, on both the production team and presenting team to take the show forward and make it the hit we want it to be. The new series has so far notched up over 30 million views in the U.K. alone and has already been sold to 130 territories worldwide.”

Evans said via a statement: “I have never worked with a more committed and driven team than the team I have worked with over the last 12 months. 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.”

Evans joined the international hit last June after the departure of Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May. He was joined by several new presenters, including American actor Matt LeBlanc.

From the get-go, the new iteration of the motorhead show was plagued with rumors about on-set drama, including conflicts between LeBlanc and Evans. The series premiered in May to disappointing ratings and negative reviews.