Top Gear: Chris Evans’ co-presenters to be ‘brought to forefront’ on new series

Less air time? Chris Evans' co-hosts will feature more prominently in new series
BBC World Wide/Jeff Spicer
Jennifer Ruby1 July 2016

Top Gear producers could be changing things up for the second series of the motoring show.

According to reports, the BBC’s rebooted show could be having a format shake-up as Chris Evans’ co-presenters are set to be brought to the ‘forefront’.

After suffering mixed ratings over the course of the series, the BBC will be bringing in new Entertainment Controller Kate Phillips as of September.

A source told The Sun: “Kate’s background at the BBC is taking Strictly to the US and she knows what makes shows successful around the world.”

Evans, who has not gone down well with some viewers, could be taking a backseat to co-host Matt LeBlanc.

The insider said: “Matt is more well-known and popular with audiences, so Chris will take a back seat like he did towards the end of the series.

“The other presenters will have a more prominent role and it will be seen as an ensemble rather than Chris and his team.”

The new series of the show, which will air its finale episode this Sunday, had a rise in viewing figures for the first time all series last week.

While the previous week’s show drew an average of 2.3 million viewers, Sunday night’s show had an average of 2.7 million, meaning that 400,000 more people tuned in.

The BBC are yet to confirm whether or not a second series of the show will be commissioned.

Top Gear Media Launch - In pictures

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