We may only be two episodes into the new-look Top Gear, but it seems already that its fans have had enough.
Ever since Chris Evans was unveiled as the new face of the post-Jeremy Clarkson era, he has been picked apart by the media, with brutal assessments made about his performance.
The plummeting ratings probably haven’t helped his cause either, with The Guardian reporting that the show has lost a third of its audience, pulling in just 2.8 million viewers in their second episode, compared to 4.3 million viewers on the opening night.
But a defiant Evans came out and reiterated that all was well:
The way Top Gear is being viewed is repositioning the way television is consumed. Last week 9 millions viewers. This week we shall see.
— Chris Evans (@achrisevans) June 6, 2016
Overnight television viewing figures for Top Gear have never been less relevant. Obviously some newspapers prefer to live in the past.
— Chris Evans (@achrisevans) June 6, 2016
But, for those who actually bothered to watch the last episode, this just wasn’t enough, with many calling for a change in presenters.
Who could they call upon in their time of need? Well, funnily enough it just so happened that Jenson Button appeared in the latest episode, brought in to test drive the McLaren 675 LT.
GettyAnd it seems he caught the eyes of viewers:
Forget this shout clown and hire @JensonButton for the #BBC #TopGear ! He has everything that is missing from this show
What a #legend #JB22— Utkarsh Mishra (@UtkarshBhp) June 6, 2016
I'm totally in favour of Jenson Button replacing Chris Evans on Top Gear, genuinely likeable guy and phenomenal driver.
— Shea ? (@sheaquinho) June 6, 2016
Well… @JensonButton has prob done more for my enjoyment of #TopGear in a few mins that the other 2 will all series!
— ☕️POLiTiCAL PΞLOTON™ (@1ZERO13) June 6, 2016
I know its virtually impossible as he is still in F1, but I'm with everyone else when they say Jenson Button would be a great Top Gear host.
— Jaake (@SlapDaash) June 6, 2016
My name is Chris Evans and I'm rubbish at my job so I've got Jenson Button, the coolest man alive, to do it for me #TopGear
— Ben Bromley (@benbromley44) June 5, 2016
Episode two also featured actor Damian Lewis, singer Sharleen Spiteri, folk musician Seasick Steve, and British rapper Tinie Tempah.
Viewers also seemed pretty impressed with the the on-screen chemistry between Tinie and Matt LeBlanc with their off-road race to Africa’s highest pub.
.@TinieTempah takes over the wheel and the radio.?
Roadtrip! ? #TopGear pic.twitter.com/OlWdsmjW2O
— BBC Two (@BBCTwo) June 5, 2016
So, you can probably guess what happened next:
@TinieTempah @BBC_TopGear please replace either of these monkeys
— Nigel Holland (@hollandnigel) June 5, 2016
@TinieTempah @BBC_TopGear Please replace Chris Evans
— Madhusudhan (@Madhusudhan_s) June 6, 2016
The producers of #TopGear. Listen up. @JensonButton, @TinieTempah and @Matt_LeBlanc would make a killer hosts next series. @BBCOne @BBCTwo
— Patrick Fox (@BeasyFox) June 7, 2016
Wish Matt le blanc and tinie hosted top gear permanently @BBC_TopGear @Matt_LeBlanc @TinieTempah so good. #chemistry
— Kevin Williams (@Kelvinho3) June 6, 2016
Tinie Tempah should replace Chris Evans i think him and LeBlanc would make a grrrreat team #TopGear
— Jess ⭐? (@Alright_Blondie) June 5, 2016
And it seems Tinie was pretty up for it too.
Lol you guys are funny. I'd love to be one of the hosts on @BBC_TopGear I'm ready whenever they want me ? #TOPGEAR
— Tinie Tempah (@TinieTempah) June 5, 2016
Only time will tell if producers actually act on any of this.
