While we’d maybe stop slightly short of calling the relaunched, Clarkson-less Top Gear an unmitigated disaster, it definitely didn’t do the business for the BBC.
Unfortunately for Chris Evans, it was his turn as host that seemed to get the biggest thumbs down from fans, and it really didn’t come as much of a shock when the 50-year-old revealed that he’d be stepping down from the motoring show after just one series.
But it turns out that co-presenter Matt LeBlanc knew no more than us about when an announcement would be made.
In fact, the former Friends star said he had no idea Evans planned to quit, learning of his decision in the papers.
Speaking exclusively to Digital Spy, he said: “To be honest, I didn’t know he was quitting. I found out like everyone else.
“I read it in a paper and I thought, ‘Hmm… I wonder if I’m going to get a phone call about this?’ I didn’t know anything about it.”
LeBlanc was a bigger hit with audiences than his then partner and now predecessor. He’s rumoured to have signed a big money deal to take over as lead presenter, and told Digital Spy that while he enjoyed being part of the big revamp, he didn’t expect the whirlwind of criticism that came its way.
“I’m excited [for the new series] but the show seems to be surrounded by huge controversy, and I don’t really know why,” he added. “Maybe it’s because of the history of the show – but boy, being on that show is like being in a fish bowl. Everybody is after you.
“Everybody is waiting for you to put a foot wrong and that’s tough but, you know, I like cars. I know a little bit about cars. I can say some funny things about cars. Hopefully people will watch it.”
This article originally appeared on JOE.co.uk.
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