Chris Evans has been named as the new host of Top Gear three months after the BBC decided not to renew Jeremy Clarkson's contract after he assaulted a producer on the show.
Big news! Chris Evans will front an all new line-up for the next series of #TopGear. Details: http://t.co/YjZzvnFY9Z
The show said in a statement on Tuesday that Evans had signed a three-year deal to front "an all new line-up".
Clarkson's former co-presenters, Richard Hammond and James May, have also left Top Gear following Clarkson's departure.
Following the announcement of his new job, Evans said:
I'm thrilled, Top Gear is my favourite programme of all time. Created by a host of brilliant minds who love cars and understand how to make the massively complicated come across as fun, devil-may-care and effortless.
When in fact, of course, it's anything but and that's the genius of Top Gear's global success.
I promise I will do everything I possibly can to respect what has gone on before and take the show forward.
He also later said on Twitter he would not be giving up the Radio 2 Breakfast Show to host the motoring show.
First tweet as new Top Gear host. I would like to say Jeremy, Richard & James are the greatest. And NO I'm not leaving the R2 Breakfast Show
It's fair to say the initial reaction to Evans replacing Clarkson has been mixed.
Everything Chris Evans touches at the moment turns to gold. Funny, fab & engaging. I'm happy with that #TopGear
Replaced Jeremy Clarkson with Chris Evans is like replacing Suarez with Rickie Lambert. #TopGear
Got nothing against Chris Evans but I’m waiting for the new show with Clarkson, Hammond and May.
Chris Evans - good choice as Clarkson's replacement. No, Top Gear won't be the same. But it should still make for good telly.
Chris Evans replacing Jeremy Clarkson is going to be the biggest tv mistake since Charlie Sheen
Chris Evans was the obvious choice. Excited to see what the Beeb do with #TopGear. https://t.co/1MRtIprk9C
I love chris evans but let's be honest can he replace Jeremy Clarkson, no no no no
Some got very excited – then realised it was the "other Chris Evans", not the Hollywood heartthrob.
Ooh! Chris Evans is presen- oh wait, it's the other one. As you were.
No, not THAT Chris Evans, Americans. @guardian
Oh and that's the British presenter Chris Evans, not the rather hot superhero Chris Evans.
Back in September, Evans dismissed rumours that he was to replace Clarkson as "100% not true".
Hilarious story in today's paper re me replacing Clarkson on Top Gear. 100% not true. 100% never going to happen. 100% time for a fry up.
As for Clarkson, earlier today it was announced his final appearance on Top Gear will be shown on 28 June.
The BBC said the 75-minute episode will form the delayed conclusion to the 22nd series of the show.
The episode was initially shelved after Clarkson's suspension and eventual sacking.
James May has tweeted good luck to Evans, describing the news as a "ballsy call".
Well: best of luck to @achrisevans and the future of Top Gear (b. 1977). That's a ballsy call, frankly, and to be admired.