News that Chris Evans will replace Jeremy Clarkson as Top Gear's frontman has prompted a bitter response from fans, many criticising the decision and vowing not to watch the new series of the show.
Clarkson's successor was always going to be a matter of contention for viewers, many of whom are bigger fans of the ousted presenter than of the show itself.
Viewers lambasted the BBC's appointment in their droves, posting messages claiming Top Gear would "not be the same" without Clarkson, or his co-hosts Richard Hammond and James May.
Gary Lineker, the BBC's Match of the Day presenter, though, led the charge against embattled Evans enemies, congratulating the Radio 2 DJ on his appointment and calling him "one of the finest broadcasters of our time".
Soon after, Clarkson's former colleague James May threw his backing behind Evans too:
The two heavyweight broadcasters were joined quickly by others, keen to defend Top Gear's reputation and rally in support of Evans.
The BBC has confirmed production on the new series is due to start in the coming weeks. Whether or not Evans will manage to win over his critics remains to be seen.