GETTY IMAGES • WENN • ITV Chris Evans will host the new series of Top Gear

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Lisa's abrupt exit from the upcoming motoring series, after just five months, is said to be because of the Radio 2 DJ's "tyrannical manner". According to reports, Chris, 49, has been accused of being "control freak who thinks he can trample over everyone" by his fellow BBC employees.

Speaking to The Sun newspaper, an insider said: "Evans didn't normally turn up to a lot of meetings, but at this one he said he had completed some footage with Jenson Button.” "Lisa replied, 'Yes but we need to make more than 30 films. It's not enough'. He shot her a look for undermining him and she was soon gone."

BBC The new Top Gear presenters

GETTY • BBC Top Gear is due to start in March

The Grand Tour: Behind the scenes Tue, November 28, 2017 Ex Top Gear hosts Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond & James May film new Amazon Prime show, The Grand Tour. Play slideshow Amazon 1 of 40 The Grand Tour: Behind the scenes

Further detail on the date and series structure will follow nearer the time BBC

Another reported issue is Lisa's decision to hire Friends star Matt LeBlanc. The source claimed: "It was Lisa who suggested Matt, but Evans' reply was, 'He's old hat, what do we want him for?'" Lisa's departure comes shortly after other employees have left the show, including script editor Tom Ford and BBC2 controller Kim Shillinglaw. The news of Lisa's exit emerged after it was announced the show relaunch date has been delayed by two weeks.

BBC Chris Evans and Matt LebBlanc