Top Gear bosses deny reports of Chris Evans’ ‘unprofessional’ on-set behaviour

No problems: BBC defend Chris Evans amid 'unprofessional' behaviour claims
Neil Mockford/Alex Huckle/GC Images
Jennifer Ruby1 March 2016
The Weekender

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BBC bosses have rubbished claims that Chris Evans has been ‘unprofessional’ on the set of Top Gear.

Following reports that the lead presenter had caused executive producer Lisa Clark to quit just five months into her role, Director of Television Mark Linsey has said:

“It is rubbish to suggest Chris Evans' behaviour on the set of ‘Top Gear’ has been in any way unprofessional.”

He added: “Chris is a consummate professional and a real team-player.

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“He is a passionate presenter who commits his heart and soul into everything he does - whether his Radio 2 show, Children In Need or ‘Top Gear’ - and we are extremely fortunate to have him leading the show.”

Linsey went on to deny reports that Evans had been against actor Matt LeBlanc joining the show as his co-host.

“He has been behind Matt joining the presenting team since day one,” he said.

“Chris and Matt are part of a wider production team that is full of brilliant and talented people.

“That team is tight-knit, in great spirits and utterly focused on delivering the best possible series for viewers.”

Earlier in the week, The Sun reported that Evans’s on-set behaviour had been causing rifts on set.

They quoted a source as saying: “It was Lisa who suggested Matt, but Evans’ reply was, ‘He’s old hat, what do we want him for?’”

The new series of Top Gear is due to air on May 22.

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