'Top Gear' Episode 2: Chris Evans Under Pressure As 'Advisor' Danny Baker Distances Himself

Chris Evans has been under pressure since the show debuted last week.

'Top Gear' returns tonight for Episode 2 of the new series, and Chris Evans and co will be crossing fingers that they will draw at least as many viewers as for last week's debut. 

Two things to look, and listen, out for on tonight (Sunday)'s show… 

The sound of silence? Following the humiliating claims that last week's 'stony silences' during the live studio segments had to be covered up by frantic producers with a canned laughter track, this week those same folk face a dilemma. Do they a) repeat this exercise and leave themselves open to further ridicule, or b) leave the audio track as recorded? They seem caught between a rock and a hard place, and it's a cool-headed exec who makes THAT decision. 

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To laugh, or not to laugh? Chris Evans and co are back tonight for Episode 2 of 'Top Gear'
BBC

The other thing to look out for will be during the credits. Last week, Chris Evans' bosom pal Danny Baker was listed as 'Writer', but the witty broadcaster has drawn fire this week for penning a tweet in which he appeared to distance himself from the beleaguered production. 

He wrote: “It is stated I am a writer on Top Gear. I am not. I am just an advisor."

Danny had been recruited by his pal Chris to boost the funnies in the script, and the Sun reports he's being paid for his efforts to the tune of £1500 a day. It'll be revealing to read how they describe him this week. 

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Chris Evans with his longtime pal Danny Baker, who seemingly distanced himself from the show's script this week
Ian West/PA Archive

Episode 2 sees the return of Chris and his co-host Matt LeBlanc, after the latter emerged from last week's debut with the majority of any praise going for the show. Will Chris Evans be less shouty now he's settled into his seat? Watch this space. 

The celebrity guests this week are 'Homeland' star Damian Lewis and Texas frontwoman Sharleen Spiteri. 'Top Gear' is on at 8pm on BBC Two. Listen out for those chuckles. 

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Damian Lewis will be one of the guest stars on this week's show
BBC

Tap the first picture below to open the slideshow:

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)