Chris Evans' 'Top Gear' Reboot Loses Another Key Figure, As BBC Two Controller Kim Shillinglaw Quits

Another Key 'Top Gear' Figure Has Quit Their Post
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Another key player in the ‘Top Gear’ reboot has bowed out, ahead of the show’s return to screens in May.

Kim Shillinglaw, controller of BBC Two and BBC Four, is stepping down from her post, months before an episode of the show with new host Chris Evans at the helm has even aired.

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She is to be replaced by Charlotte Moore, whose position will be Controller of Channels and BBC iPlayer.

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Kim Shillinglaw

Addressing her departure, Kim said: “I wish the BBC, Mark [Linsey] and Charlotte every success with the many changes BBC TV needs to make.

“I’ve loved modernising BBC Two and Four over the last two years but when you don’t get the big job it’s time to move on. And I’m looking forward to another big challenge.”

It had been previously reported that Kim and the show’s crew had clashed behind the scenes, with claims she hoped to make the show “more PC”, following the departure of Jeremy Clarkson, whose final months as ‘Top Gear’ host were blighted by controversy.

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Chris Evans is taking the 'Top Gear' reins from Jeremy Clarkson

She is one of several people instrumental in the new series of ‘Top Gear’ to have quit during the production of the new series.

Lisa Clark, who was chosen specifically by new presenter Chris Evans, quit her position last month, and was followed by script editor Tom Ford.

Following this, reports claimed that proposed co-host David Coulthard had jumped ship from the presenting team, to front Channel 4’s Formula One coverage.

Despite several apparent setbacks, the BBC has repeatedly insisted that things are going well for the show, rubbishing claims that production is in “chaos”.

Possible 'Top Gear' Presenters
Guy Martin (01 of14)
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Guy Martin is another star whose name has been mentioned often in relation to the presenting roles.
Jodie Kidd (02 of14)
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Jodie was spotted enjoying lunch with Jeremy Clarkson in the wake of his sacking - does she already have his blessing? (credit:Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)
Nick Knowles(03 of14)
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Just days ago, Nick revealed that he has been in talks with BBC bosses. (credit:Mark Cuthbert via Getty Images)
Suzi Perry(04 of14)
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Suzi's name has also come up often, during talk of a shortlist. (credit:Dave J Hogan via Getty Images)
Philip Glenister (05 of14)
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The actor's name has popped up often, and in May it was reported that he was in "advanced talks" with the BBC. (credit:Jon furniss/Invision/AP)
Will Mellor(06 of14)
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In April, sources revealed that bosses were considering Will, in the hope that he'd bring "a younger audience" to the show. (credit:David M. Benett via Getty Images)
David Hasselhoff (07 of14)
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The Hoff threw his hat into the ring last month, answering with a simple, "Why not?", when asked whether he'd be up for presenting the motoring show. (credit:KGC-143/STAR MAX/IPx)
Stephen Fry(08 of14)
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Bookies William Hill are offering odds of 10/1 on TV star Stephen nabbing the role. (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
James Blunt(09 of14)
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James Blunt's also made the bookies' shortlist with odds of 12/1. (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Dermot O'Leary(10 of14)
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Dermot's left the 'X Factor' behind, and he's already on the Beeb's books thanks to his Radio 2 show. (credit:Stuart C. Wilson via Getty Images)
Jake Humphrey(11 of14)
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BT vision presenter Jake Humphrey is 8/1 to be a co-host. (credit:Karwai Tang via Getty Images)
Jamiroquai (12 of14)
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Jamiroquai loves his cars - could he make the move to television? (credit:Sowetan via Getty Images)
Adrian Chiles (13 of14)
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Well... he's not doing much at the moment is he? (credit:Tristan Fewings via Getty Images)
Nigel Mansell(14 of14)
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We reckon former Formula One World Champion Nigel Mansell would be a perfect choice. (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)