Top Gear: Chris Evans says debut show pulled in 5.6 million as he hits back at ‘haters’

Evans said viewing figures for the first episode have surpassed the 5 million mark
Defensive: Chris Evans is proving the critics wrong
BBC Worldwide/Mark Yeoman
Emma Powell1 June 2016

Chris Evans has hit back at Top Gear ‘haters’ for a second time after the revamped show was criticised by viewers.

The relaunch was referred to as ‘Flop Gear’ by some who were left unimpressed by the chemistry between Evans and co-host Matt LeBlanc on Sunday night’s debut.

Others criticised Evans for being “too shouty” and accused him of trying too hard to imitate former host Jeremy Clarkson.

But, the BBC Radio 2 presenter has hit back at critics in a series of tweets listing the viewing figures - which have surpassed the 5 million he was hoping for.

“More bad news for the Top Gear haters: consolidated figures for the first episode of the new series have now past 5.6 million and counting,” he tweeted.

“That's without the 1.2 million views (so far!) on the iPlayer. Obviously as these are THE ACTUAL FACTS, they'll continue to ignore them.”

His tweets come days after he hit back at initial attacks on the show by posting a string of ‘facts’.

He posted: “The new Top Gear is a hit. OFFICIALLY. 23% audience share. 12% MORE than the opening episode of the last series. These are the FACTS.”

In a second tweet he added: “Top Gear audience grew throughout the hour. FACT. Won its slot. FACT. Still number one on i Player. FACT. These are THE FACTS folks.”

Bookmakers this week revealed they have slashed the odds on Evans returning to helm a second series.

Ladbrokes is currently offering 1/4 odds for Evans to be axed after series one while Coral is offering odds of 10/11.

“The latest betting does not look good for Evans and LeBlanc as they are now odds-on to be dropped as presenters for the next series of the popular motoring magazine programme,” said Coral’s John Hill.

BBC bosses are reportedly keen to secure LeBlanc for a second series, with The Sun reporting he has been offered a large sum.

"Matt came across really well, he can drive and he certainly knows his motors," a source told the publication.

"Matt is crucial to the success going forward. Chris is not known across the world."

Top Gear is on BBC2 at Sunday at 8pm.

Top Gear Media Launch - In pictures

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