It has been claimed that Chris Evans was on the verge of walking away from Top Gear after becoming fed up with “meddling” BBC executives over a revamp of the show.
The 49-year-old presenter is said to have become so frustrated at what he felt was “constant interference” by BBC chiefs that he was considering quitting.
His enthusiasm for the planned reboot of the BBC2 programme had been severely tested by numerous setbacks and behind-the-scenes issues with executives.
Sources claimed one of the reasons for him being “driven to distraction” was BBC2 controller Kim Shillinglaw’s perceived “micro-management” of the show and reluctance to give him the same free rein enjoyed by ex-host Jeremy Clarkson.
They claimed that the 49-year-old star - who remains determined to make a top-quality show - felt “drained and disheartened” after a series of heated run-ins with his BBC paymasters over the future direction of Top Gear.
Insiders revealed the ginger-haired Radio 2 host considered quitting just six months into a three-year contract over what he perceived as a lack of faith in his decision-making.
Oxbridge graduate Shillinglaw, 46, had been seen by BBC top brass - including director general Tony Hall - as being the right person to oversee the revival of the Top Gear brand after Clarkson’s controversial exit alongside James May and Richard Hammond.
But it is claimed that she had and uneasy and difficult working relationship with Evans and his team from the start.
A source revealed: “Chris isn’t a quitter but it was all getting on top of him and he began wondering if it was all worth the hassle.
"He was working his behind off and just didn’t feel the love coming back from certain BBC executives.
“They were constantly on the case - and getting involved with production issues. It wasn’t something Chris is used to dealing with.
"He was being driven to distraction by all this when all he wanted to do was make good television.
“Things got so bad that he made his feelings very clear. It was more or less a ‘butt out or I’m out’ situation.
"Whether he would have carried out the threat is another issue - but the message was obvious.”
Problems started when BBC bosses wanted to choose a new executive producer after Evans’ friend Lisa Clark quit after just five months in the role.
No reason has been officially given for her departure - or that of script-editor Tom Ford - but a well-placed source claimed they became fed up at being "micro-managed" and having production decisions questioned from on high.
Following a series of what sources claimed were “heated meetings” with BBC executives, Evans managed to get former Big Breakfast producer and LWT head of comedy Clark to stay - only for her to leave anyway shortly afterwards.
After Clark’s departure, the BBC suggested respected head of factual Jeff Anderson should replace her - only for Evans, himself an executive producer, to veto the idea.
However, sources claimed ambitious Shillinglaw’s unexpected departure from the BBC last week after being overlooked for promotion was an unexpected boost for the morale of Evans and his under-pressure team.
He has also been buoyed by the arrival of new controller of TV channels Charlotte Moore - the former BBC1 controller - who is now in overall charge of Top Gear and with whom he has a “good professional relationship”.
Insiders claimed one of her priorities is to meet with Evans to both allay his concerns and assure him he’d be left alone to make the best possible programme.
“Chris has a huge respect for Charlotte - and she has a huge respect for him. She is also brilliant at soothing the furrowed brows and egos of top stars and giving them her full backing,” a source said.
A BBC spokesman said they would not comment on rumour or speculation surrounding Top Gear.
But Mark Linsey, acting director of BBC Television, said: “BBC2 controller Kim Shillinglaw’s departure has absolutely nothing to do with Top Gear or the utter nonsense that she has been ‘meddling’ in the show.
“She has chosen to leave because BBC TV is restructuring and will have fewer controllers.
"Kim has brought viewers countless brilliant programmes and we’ll be sorry to see her go.”
Evans’ spokeswoman said they wouldn’t comment on Top Gear matters or Shillinglaw’s departure.
Former Top Gear presenters Clarkson, May and Hammond are busy working on their new show for Amazon Prime - out later this year.
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