chris evans1© Photo: BBC

Chris Evans announces Top Gear exit: 'I gave it my best shot'

July 4, 2016

Chris Evans has confirmed he is to step down as co-host of BBC's Top Gear after just one series, confessing that he feels it's the best thing for the show. He took to Twitter to make the announcement, which comes after the motoring show hit a series low in ratings.

He wrote: "Stepping down from Top Gear. Gave it my best shot but sometimes that's not enough. I feel like my standing aside is the single best thing I can do now to help the show."

© Photo: BBC

Chris Evans has quit as co-host of Top Gear

The 50-year-old added: "The team are beyond brilliant. I wish them all the best."

Chris joined the show at the start of its latest series in May, presenting alongside former Friends actor Matt LeBlanc, Sabine Schmitz, journalists Chris Harris and Rory Reid and former motorsport team boss Eddie Jordan.

© Photo: BBC

He was part of a shake-up earlier this year alongside Matt LeBlanc

In an official statement released via the BBC, Chris once again praised the Top Gear team and said he will always remain a fan of the show.

Mark Linsey, director of BBC Studios, said: "Chris is stepping down from his duties on Top Gear. He says he gave it his best shot doing everything he could to make the show a success. He firmly believes that the right people remain, both the production team and presenting team, to take the show forward and make it the hit we want it to be."

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