The king is dead, long live the new king! Jeremy Clarkson’s time as the main man on the immensely popular “Top Gear” Television programme may have come to an end in inauspicious circumstances, yet the show must go on. His replacement, Chris Evans has decided to focus all his energy on ensuring that he makes a success of the high profile role by severing his connections with “TFI Friday”.
End of the line for “TFI”
The 49-year-old TV star who made his name on “The Big Breakfast” had only returned to his former post of fronting the entertainment programme this Autumn.
After ten new “TFI” episodes were produced, including a host of high-profile guests such as Take That, U2 and Steve Coogan, it seems that the temporary reprieve for the lively show is now at an end.
A source close to the production team behind “TFI Friday” confirmed that there were no plans for a permanent return in the future. It is believed that Evans’ decision to focus solely on “Top Gear” was at least partly due to an ultimatum from the BBC “Top Gear” team, which effectively limited him to the current “TFI” run and no longer.
The end of Clarkson’s reign
The termination of Clarkson’s contract with the Beeb was enforced after it emerged that he had an altercation with a producer while on location, which involved both a verbal and physical attack.
The Motoring specialist had grown extremely popular with the viewers over the years, including co-hosting the long running show in its revised format with the likes of Richard Hammond and James May (who are also not returning to the show) between October 2002 and March 2015.
So much so that his fans attempted to make the BBC change their minds and re-instate him in the role by starting a petition.
However, with no U-turn possible and after much debate about a successor in the aftermath, Evans was announced as the man to take the reins with a three-year deal.
Car enthusiast and presenter
Evans has a keen interest in motor vehicles and founded the CarFest charity motoring festival. The annual event in Cheshire and Hampshire raises funds for Children in Need.
The multi-millionaire has a penchant for fast cars, including having a number of Ferraris in his collection over the years.
His background as a presenter on TV shows such as “The One Show” on BBC1, besides numerous radio programmes should ensure the continuation of the professionalism expected from the “Top Gear” presentation team going forward.
Big shoes to fill
He has big shoes to fill though in the post-Clarkson period and a tricky legacy to live up to on the fast-paced and stunt-laden motor show. With Clarkson at the helm, “Top Gear” has become the most-watched programme on BBC2, with over 100 countries around the world benefitting from the sale of the show in addition.
