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New Top Gear host Chris Evans has revealed Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May all gave him their seal of approval when he told them about his signing.

Speaking on his radio show this morning, the 49-year-old said he sent a text to all three former presenters before the news was made public.

Evans was only offered the job last Thursday afternoon when Richard Hammond and James May finally ruled themselves out of returning to the programme.

He said he immediately texted the trio to tell them he had been offered the job and accepted it, and said the three presenters responded by wishing him the best of luck with the job.

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Evans told his listeners Clarkson said: "I knew you would, and best of luck", adding that "he gave me a piece of advice which I'm not going to repeat on the radio to be honest".

And he revealed he also got Hammond's seal of approval.

In a text Hammond, told Evans: "You were designed and built for that job and it will be great. It was also always the BBC's very best option if you take it up, and I certainly don't blame you for doing so. Good luck. Richard."

Meanwhile, James May tweeted last night: "Well: best of luck to @achrisevans and the future of Top Gear (b. 1977). That's a ballsy call, frankly, and to be admired."

The new host also invited his listeners to call in to give him some tips on what he should do with the show.

Evans said: "If you were in charge of a really well-known successful car programme, what might you do with it in the future? Let's start work here and now, people."

When one listener suggested he invite Clarkson to take part in the popular segment 'star in a reasonably priced car', Evans eagerly agreed.

He added: "That's a good idea. What about all three of them in the reasonably priced car? They go up against each other and they start a brand new leaderboard."