Chris Evans is on the warpath.
The new series of Top Gear divided opinion with its debut this past Sunday, with many calling the new show a mess. Dubbing the new series ‘Flop Gear’, viewers’ main criticism seemed to be Chris Evans’ presenting style, which they called ‘loud’ and ‘forced’.
The way Chris Evans introduced the Stig completely ruined it. I think this will be the first and last new #TopGear episode I watch
— Jack Mendel ✍️ (@Mendelpol) May 29, 2016
Le Blanc in between takes with shouting Evans…#TopGear pic.twitter.com/GtcsqkoJjA
— Dave Flynn (@Dave_K_Flynn) May 29, 2016
In the days since broadcast, Chris Evans has taken to social media to defend the new series, insisting that Top Gear remains “a hit” in the ratings.
The new Top Gear is a hit. OFFICIALLY. 23 % audience share. 12% MORE than the opening episode of the last series. These are the FACTS.
— Chris Evans (@achrisevans) May 30, 2016
We thought that might have been the end of it, but it appears Chris is never one to take things lying down. With new viewing figures in, the new Top Gear presenter was back to respond to critics and rumours that he might be sacked at the end of the series.
More bad news for the Top Gear haters: consolidated figures for the first episode of the new series have now past 5.6 million and counting.
— Chris Evans (@achrisevans) May 31, 2016
That's without the 1.2 million views (so far !) on the i Player. Obviously as these ate THE ACTUAL FACTS, they'l continue to ignore them.
— Chris Evans (@achrisevans) May 31, 2016
In an added twist, it appears the American Chris Evans, aka Captain America himself, has been dragged into the debate, with many petrolheads getting their Twitter @s confused and blaming him for the divisive first episode.
You were rubbish in Top Gear @ChrisEvans
— Tom (@ThatDrTomGuy) May 30, 2016
#TopGear Did anybody else turn over to #AntiquesRoadshow for a really interesting programme??? @chrisevans @jeremyclarkson
— Rupert Bear (@Rupp_y_bear) May 31, 2016
Remember folks, Captain America is @ChrisEvans on Twitter. The Top Gear presenter is @aChrisEvans.
@ChrisEvans apologies if any British people accidentally shout at you today, a guy with your name ruined a show #TopGear
— D66savage (@d66savage) May 29, 2016
What a palaver. Still, it’s nice to have Top Gear back. Regardless of quality, it’s certainly never dull when it’s around…
We’ll certainly be watching for this week’s episode.
What do you think of the new look Top Gear?
