Top Gear eclipsed by Soccer Aid as audience numbers plummet to 2.8 million

The second episode failed to attract viewers from Soccer Aid and Antique's Roadshow
Stalled: Seasick Steve, Chris Evans, Matt LeBlanc, Eddie Jordan, Sharleen Spiteri
BBC World Wide/Jeff Spicer
Emma Powell6 June 2016

Top Gear has faced another blow after the second episode of the revamped series lost 1.5 million viewers.

Sunday night’s episode drew an average 2.8 million – which was down on last week's 4.3 million.

The BBC2 show was eclipsed by ITV’s Soccer Aid which attracted 2.7 million viewers and 1.4 million on ITV HD and BBC1’s Antiques Roadshow which was watched by an average of 4.1 million.

But Top Gear figures are expected to grow when consolidated with the numbers of those watching on other platforms.

Addressing the drop a source told Radio Times: “The hot weather didn't help but this is still a big ouch for Top Gear, but it will probably consolidate up by around one million we reckon."

The last series of Top Gear - fronted by Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May - bowed out with 5.8 million viewers.

Chris Evans set a benchmark of five million ahead of the new series saying it would disappoint him to not hit that target.

According to the BBC episode one reached over eight million once other platforms were consolidated.

The episode faced harsh criticism from viewers who accused Evans of being “too shouty” and mourned the loss of former hosts Clarkson, Hammond and May.

Evans took to Twitter to defend the show against the ‘haters’, tweeting: “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.

“Top Gear audience grew throughout the hour. FACT. Won its slot. FACT. Still number one on i Player. FACT. These are THE FACTS folks.”

Episode two was met with a more positive reception – but some called for Evans to be axed in favour of guests Tinie Tempah and Jenson Button.

Top Gear Media Launch - In pictures

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