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A BBC boss has finally spoken out to give his verdict on the new Top Gear .

Ratings for the long-running motoring series have been on a sharp decline ever since Chris Evans and Matt LeBlanc replaced Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May as hosts.

Despite rumours circulating that the programme could be axed unless stats improve, Alan Tyler, the acting controller of entertainment commissioning, has insisted that executives are pleased with its performance so far.

"We are four episodes into the new Top Gear era with its new presenting line up, and remain really pleased with the way the series is performing," he said.

(Image: Supplied by WENN)

"[Sunday] night’s episode was another great watch and yet again was easily the biggest show of the day on BBC Two. Being up against a major sporting event is always tough and that is partly why the series is performing so brilliantly on catch up and BBC iPlayer."

While Mr Tyler may be impressed with the new Top Gear, latest statistics show that the programme's audience figures have dropped to the lowest ever for the BBC Two show, with every Clarkson era episode managing to score more.

READ MORE:Top Gear ratings plummet FURTHER with just 2.3million viewers tuning in

(Image: BBC)

According to overnight figures, just 2.3 million tuned in to watch the show last night.

Bookmakers Betway has claimed that the long-running BBC motoring series may get scrapped unless ratings pick up.

*Top Gear is on BBC Two, Sundays at 8pm