Chris Evans: ‘Top Gear Atmosphere Was Like Armageddon When I Joined’

There’s no denying that Top Gear bosses had quite a difficult 2015 when their hit BBC Two programme was thrown into chaos after host Jeremy Clarkson reportedly punched a producer in the face following a “fracas” over a cold meat platter.

With the Beeb left with no choice but to sack the star, co-hosts Richard Hammond and James May also left and producers had to find themselves a brand new host to carry the show.

49-year-old Chris Evans was the lucky one to nab the prestigious role, and now he admits that when he first joined Top Gear the atmosphere in the office “felt like Armageddon”.

Admitting that he felt like a “lone warrior” following the departure of key staff, Chris told the Sunday Telegraph that there was still no denying how good the show is.

He explained: “It was brilliant, there was no denying it. If the old show had never been taken off I’d still be watching it.

“I can only give them the best show that I can produce about cars.”

The BBC have already been forced to rubbish claims that the Top Gear reboot is in crisis, with it being claimed that the first time Chris went around the track he crashed the car - a brand new Jaguar that had been lent to the show.

Following this, a source told The Sun: “When Chris was hired it was like the problem of what to do with Top Gear after Clarkson left had been solved. But the problems keep on coming.”

Most recently it was reported that Chris is struggling to carry out the fundamental task of being the host of Top Gear; talking and driving at the same time.

A source from the show revealed: “Chris is really struggling to master the art of driving and talking to camera, which is crucial.”

To add salt into the wound, the insider added to The Sun newspaper: “It’s a skill. Jeremy, Richard and James could do it no problem, in one or two takes.”

Bosses haven’t commented on the speculation but only time will tell if Chris is the man to take over from Jeremy Clarkson.