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Top Gear Chris Evans

Interference from BBC bosses could result in Chris Evans quitting Top Gear

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By Tony Connelly, Sports Marketing Reporter

January 24, 2016 | 2 min read

Chris Evans is reported to have been on the verge of quitting Top Gear due to tensions with " meddling” BBC executives.

Chris Evans

Chris Evans

Evans is understood to have become so frustrated with the control that BBC Chiefs were exerting on the show that he considered quitting.

Numerous setbacks and a number of disagreements with BBC2 controller Kim Shillinglaw’s perceived “micro-management” of the show left him on the brink of walking out.

Sources close to the show told the Mirror that the 49 year-old took issue with what he perceived as a lack of faith in his decision-making was considering leaving six months in his three year contract.

Disagreements over who should fill the executive producer roll are believed to have caused controversy after BBC bosses wanted to chose the replace to Evan's friend, Lisa Clark, who quit after just five months in the role.

Shillinglaw's unexpected departure from the BBC last week and the arrival of new controller of TV channels Charlotte Moore, who is now in overall charge of Top Gear, is understood to have lightened the mood in Evans camp.

A BBC spokesman said they would not comment on rumour or speculation surrounding Top Gear.

The productions problems for Top Gear have left a dark cloud over the show and ITV's plans to launch its own motoring show could pose problems for the long awaited return of the programme.

Top Gear Chris Evans

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