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'Top Gear' Host Chris Evans Blasts Negative Critics On Twitter

'The show was a hit. FACT.'
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Entertainment Editor

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.

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Chris Evans
VALERY HACHE via Getty Images

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.

Top Gear: The Story So Far...
25 March 2015(01 of18)
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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. (credit:Barcroft Media via Getty Images)
24 April 2015(02 of18)
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Richard Hammond joins James May in confirming they won't be back either, the team comes as a trio. (credit:Matt Jelonek via Getty Images)
16 June 2015(03 of18)
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The BBC reveals their Radio 2 breakfast show host Chris Evans will be leading the new team. (credit:Alex Huckle via Getty Images)
30 July 2015(04 of18)
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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. (credit:Matt Jelonek via Getty Images)
28 November 2015(05 of18)
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Chris Evans reveals the show's debut date of 8 May, with an eight-episode series planned. (credit:Frederick M. Brown via Getty Images)
22 December 2015(06 of18)
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‘Top Gear’ producer Lisa Clark departs the team abruptly, saying she is to "pursue other projects", but wishes the team well. (credit:Barcroft via Getty Images)
23 December 2015(07 of18)
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She is swiftly followed out of the door by script editor Tom Ford. (credit:Hirz via Getty Images)
4 February 2016(08 of18)
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Matt LeBlanc is confirmed as a fellow presenter. (credit:Neil Mockford/Alex Huckle via Getty Images)
11 February 2016(09 of18)
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Rory Reid, Sabine Schmitz, Chris Harris and Eddie Jordan all confirmed to join. (credit:BBC)
26 February 2016(10 of18)
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The BBC announces a fresh debut date of 22 May, with six episodes scheduled instead of eight. (credit:Neil Mockford/Alex Huckle via Getty Images)
19 January 2016(11 of18)
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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. (credit:UniversalImagesGroup via Getty Images)
10 February 2016(12 of18)
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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. (credit:NBC via Getty Images)
13 March 2016(13 of18)
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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. (credit:PA)
14 March 2016(14 of18)
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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. (credit:Neil Mockford/Alex Huckle via Getty Images)
31 March 2016(15 of18)
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The show releases its first trailer. Many respond that the footage has become too Americanised, and they miss Jeremy. (credit:BBC)
12 April 2016(16 of18)
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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. (credit:BBC)
13 April 2016(17 of18)
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The atmosphere on set is said to be “frosty” following Chris Evans’ continuing fury over the Cenotaph stunt. (credit:Neil Mockford/Alex Huckle via Getty Images)
Apart from that...(18 of18)
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It's all been smooth sailing. We wait for 22 May with bated breath. (credit:BBC)

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