Top Gear: Matt LeBlanc left to head up team as BBC confirms 'no plans' to replace Chris Evans

LeBlanc has proved popular on the show, along with guests hosts Rory Reid, Chris Harris, Sabine Schmitz and Eddie Jordan

LeBlanc hosting ‘Top Gear’

Chris Evans will not be replaced on Top Gear after quitting as host on Monday.

The presenter announced that he will not be returning for a second series of the revamped motoring show despite “giving it his best shot”.

Evans, 50, has suffered relentless abuse for his “shouty” and “patronising” style since taking over from Jeremy Clarkson, whose contract was not renewed after he punched a producer in March 2015.

Soon after Evans’ resignation, speculation turned to who would replace him on the show, which starts filming again in September.

Co-host Matt LeBlanc has proved popular with viewers, as have guest hosts Rory Reid, Chris Harris, Sabine Schmitz and Eddie Jordan.

The BBC has confirmed that it does not expect any changes to be made to the Top Gear presenting line-up going forward, presumably leaving former Friends star LeBlanc with a bigger share of the limelight.

Evans said on his Radio 2 show earlier that the rest of the team should “move on” without him, after writing in a statement that “standing aside is the single best thing” he could do to help the show progress.

“I have never worked with a more committed and drive team than the team I worked with over the last twelve months,” he said. “I remain a huge fan of the show, always have been, always will be. I will continue to focus on my radio show and the allied events that it encompasses.”

Top Gear suffered its lowest ratings ever on Sunday night when an average of just 1.9 million viewers tuned in.