Evans’ Top Gear debut set for May

The BBC’s new-look version of global hit motoring show Top Gear will return to UK screens in May next year, according to its new presenter.

New Top Gear host Chris Evans

Chris Evans, who took over from Jeremy Clarkson following his fracas with a producer, will air on Sunday May 8, after filming concludes on May 5.

Evans said shows were already in the works, adding that he was heading to the US for “our first inter-continental” film in January, although details about his co-presenters remain unclear.

The revamped series will run to 16 episodes and Evans told C21 in October it will offer more studio-based action and shift cars back to “the centre of the show.”

Top Gear is one of the UK pubcaster’s biggest shows domestically and brings in around £50m (US$75m) for commercial arm BBC Worldwide. It is being revamped after the departure of Clarkson and co-hosts Richard Hammond and James May.

Evans, who has fronted TV shows including Channel 4’s entertainment series TFI Friday and is a presenter on BBC Radio 2, has a three-year contract to make the show and has also said he wants more competition elements to create conflict and resolution aspects.

Clarkson, Hammond and May, meanwhile, signed a US$250m deal to produce a new motoring show for US-based streamer Amazon earlier this year.