BBC denies ‘Top Gear’ host Chris Evans is ‘unprofessional’

Top Gear host Chris Evans is a team player and it is “rubbish” to suggest otherwise, according to a BBC boss.

The car show frontman was described as a “passionate presenter” by Mark Linsey, acting director of BBC Television, following reports about Evans’s behaviour on the job.

The TV chief also said it is “simply not true” to say Evans was against the appointment of Friends star Matt LeBlanc to the show’s seven-strong presenting line-up.

Mr Linsey was responding to recent speculation about Top Gear which included a report that executive producer Lisa Clark left after just five months on the show due to Evans’s behaviour.

In a statement, Mr Linsey said: “It is rubbish to suggest Chris Evans’s behaviour on the set of Top Gear has been in any way unprofessional.

“Chris is a consummate professional and a team-player. 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.

“Also, it is simply not true to suggest Chris did not support the signing of Matt LeBlanc, when he has been behind Matt joining the presenting team since day one.

“Chris and Matt are part of a production team that is full of talented people. That team is tight-knit, in great spirits and utterly focused on delivering the best possible series for viewers.”