Chris Evans’ new-look ‘Top Gear’ show has reportedly been riddled with problems from the outset.
The 49-year-old presenter has replaced Jeremy Clarkson as the face of the programme following his sacking earlier this year, but his dream job has proven to be anything but since he assumed the reins.
A ‘Top Gear’ insider shared: "When Chris was hired it was like the problem of what to do with ‘Top Gear’ after Clarkson left had been solved. But the problems keep on coming."
Chris – a self-confessed car fanatic – also suffered a rather embarrassing incident while filming the programme.
A show source told The Sun newspaper: "The first time Chris went round the ‘Top Gear’ track he crashed the car.
"Unfortunately for him it was a brand new Jag that had been lent to the show."
What’s more, Chris is said to be facing intense pressure from BBC bosses, some of whom are meddling in editorial decisions.
In particular, BBC Two controller Kim Shillinglaw has become the "nightmare" chief meddler, according to one insider.
The source said: "Kim has been central to everything that is happening. Generally, she has a reputation as a meddler.
"The show has had to become a lot more PC following the Clarkson row. There is less leeway to do out-there stuff and Kim has become a bit of a nightmare."
Meanwhile, another source claimed Chris has failed to understand the format of the show.
The insider said: "Chris has struggled to get his head around pre-recorded videos, which is mostly what ‘Top Gear’ is.
"Unfortunately, when you come to plan all this stuff, it can’t be done on the fly."
New-look Top Gear ‘has already hit crisis point’
