‘Top Gear’ rising star Rory Reid has revealed that, while the expectation is that the rest of the lineup will continue without Chris Evans, he admits “the format has to change” if the show is to succeed.
Rory, who enjoyed mostly positive reviews for his contribution to the first series, tells RedBull.com that, while he hasn’t signed a contract yet, he’s expecting to continue to appear on the show along with everyone except Chris.
He says: “I think they’d (the BBC) incorporate the rest of us to make it like an ensemble piece. We’ll see what happens, but I expect it to be a pretty big change, and that things will be pretty different for series 24.”
Open Image Modal
Rory says he expects the new show to carry on with the same lineup, except for Chris Evans
BBC
He is rueful about the harsh criticism the new series received when it debuted earlier this year, saying it was to be expected as ‘Top Gear’ is more than a TV show - “it’s an institution”.
He compares it with the idea of the Wu-Tang Clan taking over from One Direction, saying: “The fans of One Direction would be like, ‘What the hell are we watching, who are these people?’”
Of his own role, he describes it as “like being a soldier parachuted into a war”.
Although the show will continue without Chris Evans, who made a dignified departure after the show’s finale received dire ratings and more harsh barbs, Rory remembers another side to the beleaguered host, that came out after the pair drove a McLaren F1 and Chris wept.
He remembers: “I’m thinking, ‘Where is this going? How am I going to handle this? Do we cut, do we roll with it, do I keep pressing? Am I going to get fired because I made him cry?’ But I went with it andPeople really appreciated that moment because it showed another side to Chris. The cars move him in a certain way, and it’s not all scripted. There’s a passion deep inside him – not just him, but all of us – for the job that we do and the cars that we drive.”
Click here to read the full interview with Rory Reid.
Tap the first picture below to open our slideshow:
'Top Gear': Possible Replacements For Chris Evans
Nigel Farage(01 of15)
Open Image Modal
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)
Open Image Modal
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)
Open Image Modal
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)
Open Image Modal
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)
Open Image Modal
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)
Open Image Modal
Potentially the only ego bigger than Chris Evans'. Or Clarkson's. (credit:Jonathan Brady/PA Wire)
Angela Rippon(07 of15)
Open Image Modal
She did so well presenting it in 1977, why not bring her back? (credit:Doug Peters/Doug Peters)
Steve Coogan(08 of15)
Open Image Modal
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)
Open Image Modal
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)
Open Image Modal
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)
Open Image Modal
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)
Open Image Modal
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)
Open Image Modal
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)
Open Image Modal
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)
Open Image Modal
Well, he could do with a job. (credit:Matt Dunham/AP)