Chris Evans to be new Top Gear presenter

TV and radio personality Chris Evans will replace Jeremy Clarkson as the lead presenter of an all-new Top Gear line-up, the BBC has announced.



Evans said he was "thrilled" to get the job, describing the motoring show as his "favourite programme of all time".

"I promise I will do everything I possibly can to respect what has gone on before and take the show forward," he added.

Clarkson was dropped in March after punching a producer while on location.

Car enthusiast Evans, who has signed a three-year deal with the BBC Two show, had been tipped to replace his good friend Clarkson but had previously insisted he was not interested.

An "all-new" line-up means Clarkson's co-hosts Richard Hammond and James May will not be involved.

The BBC's David Sillito said that while Chris Evans was a household name, Clarkson had a long-running association with Top Gear and his were big shoes to fill.

Many people are not happy about this.

Reading the comments on facebook last night I was surprised at the low regard two of these people were held in.

Richard Hammond and James May present final Top Gear without Jeremy Clarkson



Richard Hammond and James May are seen presenting Top Gear without Jeremy Clarkson in new pictures released from the trio's final episode together.

The BBC has announced an "all-new" lineup for the automotive programme, to be fronted by Chris Evans and at least one female co-host.

New publicity photos for a one-off Top Gear special show Hammond and May hosting studio links alone, suggesting that Clarkson will only appear in filmed segments.

The episode will compile the final footage that Clarkson shot before his departure from the series.

Top Gear's one-off special with Hammond, May and Clarkson airs on BBC Two on June 28.