Well the mystery is over. TV and radio personality Chris Evans will replace Jeremy Clarkson as the lead presenter of an all-new Top Gear line-up, the BBC has announced.

Chris Evans said he was “thrilled” to get the job, describing the motoring show as his favourite programme of all time.

Evans was “not interested in the job”

“I promise I will do everything I possibly can to respect what has gone on before and take the show forward,” he added.

Clarkson was dropped in March after fracas with a producer while on location.

Evans, who has signed a three-year deal with the BBC Two show, had been tipped to replace Clarkson but had previously insisted that “he was not interested in the job”. Oh well.