Those who tuned in saw presenter Matt LeBlanc being driven, at high speed, around many of the city's most celebrated landmarks, including Tower Bridge and Buckingham Palace, where the 'Queen' twitched her curtains as they drove past - but there was no Cenotaph to behold.
Matt and his driver Ken Block drew complaints from war veterans in March, when they were filmed doing 'donut' spins along Whitehall, with the country's most revered war memorial plainly in sight.
Advertisement
Top Gear Filming In London
At the time, the BBC revealed they had had permission to film from the local authority, and it was an unfortunate camera angle that made the cars look nearer the monument than they actually were. But Chris Evans apologised on the day, and made it clear the offending footage would never be shown on the programme.
Evans said he “completely understood the furore” around the photographs and admitted it had been “unwise” to film anywhere near the Cenotaph.
He said on his Radio 2 breakfast show: “It doesn’t matter what actually happened, it doesn’t matter what the circumstances were that could explain this away, what is important about this is what these images look like and they look entirely disrespectful which is not and would never be the intention of the Top Gear team or Matt (LeBlanc).
“On behalf of the Top Gear team and Matt, I would like to apologise unreservedly for what these images seem to portray.
Advertisement
“There have been some very incendiary comments written alongside these pictures and I completely understand this furore but the 'Top Gear' team would never ever do that."
Sure enough, last night's episode saw Matt reciting tourist book facts about the UK's capital as he was spun through its streets, but not a word about the Cenotaph, which has been in place since 1920, after the end of the First World War.
The show, which has now reached its series mid-way point, continues to divide viewers. For every fan on social media admiring the new lineup, there are plenty still hankering after the old team. Chris Evans has defended viewing figures, but has come in for most of the personal criticism aimed at the show. By dropping the offending footage as promised, at least there's one less debacle on his hands.
Tap the first picture below to open the slideshow:
25 March 2015
Barcroft Media via Getty Images
The BBC announces Jeremy Clarkson’s contract will not be renewed, following a fracas involving a cold dinner on location, and a punched producer. "A line has been crossed," said the BBC's statement.
24 April 2015
Matt Jelonek via Getty Images
Richard Hammond joins James May in confirming they won't be back either, the team comes as a trio.
16 June 2015
Alex Huckle via Getty Images
The BBC reveals their Radio 2 breakfast show host Chris Evans will be leading the new team.
Advertisement
30 July 2015
Matt Jelonek via Getty Images
AmazonPrime reveals they’ve signed up Clarkson and co for an online motoring show, with a reported £10million/year package, with the series set to debut later in 2016.
28 November 2015
Frederick M. Brown via Getty Images
Chris Evans reveals the show's debut date of 8 May, with an eight-episode series planned.
22 December 2015
Barcroft via Getty Images
‘Top Gear’ producer Lisa Clark departs the team abruptly, saying she is to "pursue other projects", but wishes the team well.
Advertisement
23 December 2015
Hirz via Getty Images
She is swiftly followed out of the door by script editor Tom Ford.
4 February 2016
Neil Mockford/Alex Huckle via Getty Images
Matt LeBlanc is confirmed as a fellow presenter.
11 February 2016
BBC
Rory Reid, Sabine Schmitz, Chris Harris and Eddie Jordan all confirmed to join.
Advertisement
26 February 2016
Neil Mockford/Alex Huckle via Getty Images
The BBC announces a fresh debut date of 22 May, with six episodes scheduled instead of eight.
19 January 2016
UniversalImagesGroup via Getty Images
BBC Two commissioner Kim Shillinglaw, who has been overseeing the relaunch of the show, announces she will be leaving her role. Due to a re-organisation at the BBC, there will be no one to replace her, meaning Chris Evans will report directly to the Controller of Channels, Jane Moore.
10 February 2016
NBC via Getty Images
Matt LeBlanc confirms that he has signed to a US sitcom 'I'm Not Your Friend', leading to concern that he may have stretched himself too thin for 'Top Gear' duties.
Advertisement
13 March 2016
PA
Veterans complain about the ‘Top Gear’ team filming stunts, creating donut turns and speed dust, in London’s Whitehall, with shots including footage of the country’s most revered war memorial, the Cenotaph.
14 March 2016
Neil Mockford/Alex Huckle via Getty Images
Chris Evans makes a public apology for the team’s actions, while adding, “This isn't a shoot I'm particularly involved in." And takes to wearing pyjamas to work.
The show receives a major boost with news that streaming service Netflix has bought rights to distribute the show internationally, thus bringing the new series to a potential 75 million subscribers.
13 April 2016
Neil Mockford/Alex Huckle via Getty Images
The atmosphere on set is said to be “frosty” following Chris Evans’ continuing fury over the Cenotaph stunt.
Apart from that...
BBC
It's all been smooth sailing. We wait for 22 May with bated breath.
