Rumours are swirling that new Top Gear host Matt Le Blanc has vowed to quit the BBC show unless Chris Evans is given the boot, The Sun on Sunday says. Sources have told the publication that Matt has grown increasingly frustrated with his co-star’s rudeness and frosty attitude towards the team. And they told how he delivered a crushing ultimatum by announcing he will have no part in any future series that features Chris.
If true, his declaration has left BBC bosses – who have already agreed to pay Matt for two series – with no choice but to pick one host over the other. And it is believed a second Top Gear series, due to begin filming in September, may be shelved while they make their final decision. A show source said: “The big question now is who goes and who stays. The team does not gel at all, and the atmosphere between the presenters is decidedly frosty. It’s very much a picture of him – Chris – and them. Matt has already indicated that he won’t continue on any further series if Chris remains a part of it. And he is far from the only one who isn’t happy.”
“Chris is not encouraging when any of the others are doing their links. On one occasion this month he even pretended to bump his head against a wall in frustration when Eddie Jordan kept fluffing his lines. He also seems to be jealous of the attention and praise which has been heaped on Chris Harris and Rory Reid in particular since the show began. You would have thought that with his experience, he would help out those new to studio recording. But he doesn’t encourage them in any way. He just isn’t interested. He doesn’t even hang out with the others back stage and firmly keeps his distance from all of them at the aerodrome.”
Chris Evans has faced bitter criticism since his debut on the show last month, when fans blasted him for shouting and patronising viewers. Many called for the presenter to be replaced. Meanwhile Friends star Matt, 48, was praised as “the best thing about the show.” And fans lauded last week’s episode – the third of the BBC2 series – as “the best yet” after he appeared to be given more airtime than co-star Chris.
A BBC spokesman and spokesman for Chris last night declined to comment.
A spokeswoman for Matt said: “Nothing has been discussed or decided.”
7 comments
Well, I guess there might be a chance for Matt LeBlanc to stay on, as Chris Evans just announced he’s stepping down.
I still say get rid of Evan’s and BRING BACK TIFF, BRING BACK TIFF, BRING BACK TIFF, BRING BACK TIFF,BRING BACK TIFF,
I’ve always liked Tiff – he’d be a great choice.
I really tried to like the show. But, internal politics aside, I just can’t stand Chris Evan’s voice.
It’s like some clandestine government agency spent a decade trying to find the perfect audible frequency that would repel humans, then gave up and installed it into Chris Evans.
Conversely, when they first announced Matt LeBlanc as a host, I thought it was a horrible decision. As it turns out, Matt’s films are awesome! In-studio, however, he seems like a different person. Hamstrung somehow. …and I wonder if that’s due to Chris’ presence.
Yup, totally agree. Clarkson’s voice is great because of his baritone range – he can get low when it’s important and get higher and shouty loud when he needs to – Chris’ tenor range can’t do low and only works when it’s shouty…. like when stars are going through a puddle of water! It’s not his fault – he’s brill live but should either introduce things on his own and leave the rest to do the films
Well, IMO the show would be great, if Evans and Schmitz got the boot. Eddie is (or seems) a bit clueless, but I think that’s intentional. He’s supposed to be May’s replacement. Sabine and Evans are both just annoying. With then gone you’ve inastantly got a great presenter lineup…
All those in favour of kicking the ginger prat say Aye. All those in favour of Matt’s departure get lost.
But on a serious note, if they did get rid of Evans I would actually watch the show. I’m fine with Matt, I like Harris, Sabine can’t be that bad and I’m curious about Rory and Eddie.