Chris Evans has hit back at his detractors, insisting that the debut of the new series of ‘Top Gear’ was a hit.
On Sunday night (29 May), Chris made his debut as co-host of the BBC motoring show, alongside ‘Friends’ actor Matt LeBlanc.
The presenting duo divided critics, who gave the show mixed reviews, while viewers on Twitter blasted Chris's "shouting" presenting style, and compared the episode negatively with previous series.
They also didn’t fare too well in the ratings, falling short of the five million viewers Chris had previously said he’d have been “disappointed” not to draw in.
However, he’s now had his say on Twitter, insisting he’s happy with the way the first show turned out.
He posted a string of frustrated tweets on his social media account, writing: “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. [sic]”
Although it’s probably fair to say that the reception received by the first show of the rebooted series was lukewarm, some viewers were quick to defend it on Twitter, singling out Matt LeBlanc as one of the show’s positive factors, while also reminding fans of the original series that it took Jeremy Clarkson a while to come into his stride as lead presenter on ‘Top Gear’.
‘Top Gear’ continues on Sunday, 5 June at 8pm on BBC Two.