After what can clearly be described as a month horribilis for former ‘Top Gear’ presenter Chris Evans, the broadcaster at last has some good news to celebrate.
The Radio 2 breakfast show host was facing allegations of historical sexual assault, but Sky sources report that police have decided there is insufficient evidence to proceed with an investigation against him.
It was reported last month that the presenter was being investigated after claims by a former colleague that he had “bullied her after she rejected his advances, and regularly exposed himself to her”.
The Metropolitan Police has tonight confirmed the force has dropped the case due to a lack of evidence.
The Daily Mail quotes Chris Evans’ agent Michael Foster saying: “The Metropolitan Police have confirmed that the complaint has been investigated, but it fails to meet the evidential test to warrant any further action.
“Case is dropped.”
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Chris Evans stepped down from 'Top Gear' after the final episode of the first revamped series
BBC
Chris stepped down from ‘Top Gear’ after the final episode in the series failed to turn around the dismal ratings of the revamped edition, saying “sometimes your best is not enough”.
If he had hoped that catch-up viewing would fulfil his promises that ratings would belie the initial overnight figures, these hopes have been vanquished too.
After the debut episode garnered a healthy iPlayer viewer rating, Chris said ‘Top Gear’ was “repositioning” the way people watch TV, and that overnights don’t matter in this era of on-demand viewing.
Unfortunately, he may want to add catch-up figures to that thesis, as it’s now emerged the new series lost a THIRD of its iPlayer audience after that first joyful episode.
On the bright side, Chris’s show remains the number one radio programme in the country and, as of today, he’s no longer worrying about a tap on his shoulder.
Tap the first picture below to open our slideshow:
'Top Gear': Possible Replacements For Chris Evans
Nigel Farage(01 of15)
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A pint-loving smoker who has his head stuck in the 1940s previously proved to be a success on the show, so why not employ someone exactly the same person?
Nigel Farage has virtually the same political views as Clarkson, so he'd probably be a good fit. Plus he's in technically unemployed now that he's resigned as UKIP leader. (credit:Isabel Infantes/EMPICS Entertainment)
Guy Martin(02 of15)
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The motorcycle racer has already emerged as the bookies' favourite to succeed Chris, with odds of 8/1 with William Hill. (credit:Channel 4)
Katie Hopkins(03 of15)
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If you're looking for someone who doesn't mind being purposefully offensive, look no further than Katie Hopkins. The controversy magnet hits the headlines more often than all the 'Top Gear' stars put together, normally because she's offended someone/a large group of people. (credit:Matt Crossick/Matt Crossick)
Piers Morgan(04 of15)
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If you've ever seen one of Piers' epic Twitter spats with Clarkson, you'll know he's remarkably similar in many ways. The same fashion sense, a similarly smug face, and all the rest of it. (credit:Matt Crossick/Matt Crossick)
Suzi Perry(05 of15)
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She's a massive car nut and has already cut her chops hosting the BBC's Formula One coverage, plus it's about time we evened up the gender ratio on the show. (credit:Doug Peters/Doug Peters)
Kanye West(06 of15)
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Potentially the only ego bigger than Chris Evans'. Or Clarkson's. (credit:Jonathan Brady/PA Wire)
Angela Rippon(07 of15)
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She did so well presenting it in 1977, why not bring her back? (credit:Doug Peters/Doug Peters)
Steve Coogan(08 of15)
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The veteran radio host's alter ego Steve Coogan is quite the petrol-head, having appeared on the show several times. But wouldn't it be great for the man from Norwich to take you around the 'Top Gear' track whining about "POWERRRR" is his trademark nasal voice? (credit:Doug Peters/Doug Peters)
Matthew Perry(09 of15)
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Because you doesn't want to see an on-screen reunion of Friends' Chandler and Joey, right? (credit:Ian West/PA Wire)
James Martin(10 of15)
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The telly chef, who is a big car fan, admitted he had talks about joining the BBC car show last year, but was tied to his commitments with 'Saturday Kitchen'. However, he's now quit his role as host of the cookery show, which could pave the way nicely for him to finally land the job. (credit:Hannah McKay/PA Wire)
Philip Glenister(11 of15)
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The 'Life On Mars' star was strongly rumoured to be joining Chris Evans last year, but the rumours proved to be unfounded. This could be his chance. (credit:Joel Ryan/AP)
David Hasselhoff(12 of15)
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The Hoff admitted he'd "love" the gig when it was up for grabs last time around, and he does have all that experience driving KITT in 'Knight Rider'. (credit:David Davies/PA Archive)
Jake Humphrey(13 of15)
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Jake has already fronted F1 coverage for the BBC and is a regular on the sport presenting scene, so is more than qualified for the job. (credit:Richard Sellers/EMPICS Sport)
John Inverdale(14 of15)
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Who better to take over from Clarkson's controversy-laden style than the man who brought us "rose-c***ed spectacles"? (credit:Mike Egerton/PA Archive)
Boris Johnson(15 of15)
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Well, he could do with a job. (credit:Matt Dunham/AP)