MA
Let’s be honest, this isn’t a massive surprise: Matt LB will have done four series by the time he goes and the BBC have done quite well to keep him for that long, I’d say.
I see Chris Harris as the glue that holds new Top Gear together and he should really be the ‘lead’ in future IMHO. Obviously, the problem with that is that he’s not a well-known face beyond the petrol head audience, so there won’t be the press interest that Clarkson, Evans and LeBlanc drew.
I think we can safely say that Evans will not return. It’ll be interesting to see who the Beeb decide to slot into the ‘trio’ to join Harris and Reid. It’s quite possibly their intention to have somebody who will generate the column inches again.
I see Chris Harris as the glue that holds new Top Gear together and he should really be the ‘lead’ in future IMHO. Obviously, the problem with that is that he’s not a well-known face beyond the petrol head audience, so there won’t be the press interest that Clarkson, Evans and LeBlanc drew.
I think we can safely say that Evans will not return. It’ll be interesting to see who the Beeb decide to slot into the ‘trio’ to join Harris and Reid. It’s quite possibly their intention to have somebody who will generate the column inches again.
MA
It'll have to be, or else the programme (for the reasons you mention) will end up with a slashed budget, and demoted to 'geek' status, so teatime weekday BBC 2, or BBC 4
Let’s be honest, this isn’t a massive surprise: Matt LB will have done four series by the time he goes and the BBC have done quite well to keep him for that long, I’d say.
I see Chris Harris as the glue that holds new Top Gear together and he should really be the ‘lead’ in future IMHO. Obviously, the problem with that is that he’s not a well-known face beyond the petrol head audience, so there won’t be the press interest that Clarkson, Evans and LeBlanc drew.
I think we can safely say that Evans will not return. It’ll be interesting to see who the Beeb decide to slot into the ‘trio’ to join Harris and Reid. It’s quite possibly their intention to have somebody who will generate the column inches again.
I see Chris Harris as the glue that holds new Top Gear together and he should really be the ‘lead’ in future IMHO. Obviously, the problem with that is that he’s not a well-known face beyond the petrol head audience, so there won’t be the press interest that Clarkson, Evans and LeBlanc drew.
I think we can safely say that Evans will not return. It’ll be interesting to see who the Beeb decide to slot into the ‘trio’ to join Harris and Reid. It’s quite possibly their intention to have somebody who will generate the column inches again.
It'll have to be, or else the programme (for the reasons you mention) will end up with a slashed budget, and demoted to 'geek' status, so teatime weekday BBC 2, or BBC 4
IN
How are Top Gear sales holding up worldwide? At one point it was the BBC's most profitable programme.
HC
Someone used to being in front of the camera, fast and controlled driving, and already a name, has been on Top Gear before, not afraid to muck around, and with a moveable regular schedule to accommodate filming..
Looking at you Jenson Button or David Coulthard (particularly the latter if Channel 4 don't make a bid to FOM for the F1 race highlights package.)
It’ll be interesting to see who the Beeb decide to slot into the ‘trio’ to join Harris and Reid. It’s quite possibly their intention to have somebody who will generate the column inches again.
Someone used to being in front of the camera, fast and controlled driving, and already a name, has been on Top Gear before, not afraid to muck around, and with a moveable regular schedule to accommodate filming..
Looking at you Jenson Button or David Coulthard (particularly the latter if Channel 4 don't make a bid to FOM for the F1 race highlights package.)
CW
Charlie Wells
Moderator
I hope whoever replaces Matt is chosen purely on merit, and not just to tick a diversity box at the BBC (e.g. a female presenter chosen purely to avoid an all male lineup). The BBC News article did seem to hint that the replacement would need to be someone who could appeal to international viewers.
AN
The international appeal was part of my thinking behind Steve Coogan. Never seen him in a presenting role but Simon Cowell might be a good shout? Knows about cars, famous around the world, friend of the show...
AN
I bet they will replace Matt with two people, a man and a women, and most of the press release will go on about how they are being paid the same.
Andrew
Founding member
I hope whoever replaces Matt is chosen purely on merit, and not just to tick a diversity box at the BBC (e.g. a female presenter chosen purely to avoid an all male lineup). The BBC News article did seem to hint that the replacement would need to be someone who could appeal to international viewers.
I bet they will replace Matt with two people, a man and a women, and most of the press release will go on about how they are being paid the same.
Last edited by Andrew on 2 June 2018 9:20am
IS
The problem with Button or Coultard or any motor racing driver is it needs to be someone with a personality. Coultard does presenting but Mr Charisma he is not. Evans and Leblanc are/were the lead presenters, they need to be replaced by someone who can hold the show together
SE
Square Eyes
Founding member
Was surprised to not see this even mentioned on the forum. Is nobody bothered anymore?
Top Gear: McGuinness and Flintoff announced as new hosts
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-45937945
Top Gear: McGuinness and Flintoff announced as new hosts
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-45937945