Top Gear hires editorial lead to keep presenters in line
The BBC has appointed Clare Pizey as the editorial lead for Top Gear as it looks to end the tumultuous speculation surrounding the show in recent months.
Lead presenter Chris Evans will hold the position of creative lead while Pizey, currently the BBC’s head of factual entertainment, will take on the “editorial control of Top Gear”.
A BBC spokesman said: “Clare is an experienced head of department whose credits include big must-see events such as Children in Need and Sport Relief. Clare will be responsible for the editorial content of Top Gear. She will continue to lead the factual entertainment department including overseeing Children in Need 2016.”
Speculation over the show's management has mounted recently following the Cenotaph incident which saw co-host Matt LeBlanc performing stunts near the London war memorial. There have also been a number of reports of tention between Evans and BBC bosses over the running of the show.
The perceived lack of organisation appears to stem from the departure of executive producer, Lisa Clark, who quit a few months ago citing differences of opinion with Evans and the team.
Pizey’s new title of editorial lead looks to be replacing the role of executive producer while an additional role of show runner has been filled by series editor Alex Renton – who worked on the programme for 10 years under Clarkson and co.