Move on, DJ Chris Evans tells ex-Top Gear colleagues on Radio 2 show

Updated

Former Top Gear host Chris Evans has dedicated his morning radio show to his ex-colleagues, advising them to "move on" without him.

The DJ announced on Monday that he was stepping down from the programme after just one series, leaving Friends star Matt LeBlanc in charge.

Speaking to listeners of his BBC Radio 2 this morning show, he said: "Today's show is dedicated to all the Top Gear gang. And today's show is entitled Breathe In, Breathe Out, Move On."

In a tweet on Monday, Evans said he was stepping aside, adding that he had given it his best shot but "sometimes that's not enough".

He praised the team behind the multimillion-pound programme, which is the BBC's biggest earner.

Evans' decision to resign came amid widespread reports that Scotland Yard has received an allegation of sexual assault against the presenter dating back to the 1990s.

The final episode of the revamped motoring show aired on Sunday after a rocky ride during its return without Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond.

The six-episode series was beset by unfavourable reviews, crashing ratings and reports of a breakdown in the relationship between the two lead hosts.

A BBC spokesman said the plan was to continue with the current line-up of presenters in Evans' absence.

It leaves LeBlanc as the main host, along with racing driver Sabine Schmitz, Formula One presenter Eddie Jordan, YouTube star Chris Harris, car enthusiast Rory Reid and The Stig.

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